Fatemeh Khishvand, known by her social media alias Sahar Tabar, is a young Iranian woman who gained worldwide attention for her extreme attempts to alter her appearance through plastic surgery.
Her goal, reportedly inspired by Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie, led to a dramatic transformation that earned her the nickname “Zombie Angelina Jolie.” However, her journey to fame took a dark turn when she was sentenced to ten years in prison.
A Drastic Transformation
At just 19 years old, Tabar reportedly underwent over 50 surgeries, including liposuction and nose reshaping, in her quest to achieve a highly exaggerated appearance. While Tabar never explicitly stated her intent to mimic Angelina Jolie, her followers made the connection, and she embraced her shocking look by sharing heavily altered photos on Instagram. These images showcased her gaunt cheekbones, angular lips, and drastically altered nose.
Despite the buzz surrounding her transformation, questions remain about the authenticity of her surgeries. Many have speculated that her photos were heavily edited or digitally manipulated, casting doubt on the extent of her physical changes.
Social Media Stardom
Tabar’s unique look garnered significant attention on Instagram, where her account once boasted nearly four million followers under the handle @sahartabar_official, which has since been deleted. Her mother reportedly disapproved of her social media presence and the disturbing images she shared. Yet, Tabar remained committed to her goal of fame. “Cyberspace was an easy way,” she explained, adding, “It was much easier than becoming an actor.”
“This Is Not My Real Face”
In an interview with the Russian outlet Sputnik, Tabar revealed that her dramatic appearance was largely an artistic expression. “Every time I publish a photo, I paint my face in an increasingly funny way. It is a way of expressing yourself, a kind of art. My fans know that this is not my real face,” she stated. Tabar clarified that she never intended to resemble Angelina Jolie or Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride, saying, “I am a muse myself, and remembering someone is not an end in itself.”
Arrest and Sentencing
In October 2019, Sahar Tabar was arrested for her controversial Instagram posts. The charges against her included promoting blasphemy, illegally acquiring property, inciting violence, negatively influencing youth, earning income through inappropriate means, and violating Iran’s strict dress code for women. She was sentenced to ten years in prison and detained at Qarchak Prison, a facility notorious for its harsh conditions.
Calls for Justice
Tabar’s arrest sparked outrage, with Iranian activist Masih Alinejad highlighting her plight. Alinejad took to social media, pleading for intervention from Angelina Jolie. “Sahar Tabar is only 19. Her joke landed her in jail. Her mother cries every day to get her innocent daughter freed. Dear Angelina Jolie, we need your voice here. Help us,” Alinejad wrote.
Release After 14 Months
After serving 14 months of her sentence, Sahar Tabar was released. Her release coincided with public outrage over the death of Mahsa Amini, a young woman who died after being arrested and beaten by Iranian authorities for allegedly wearing her hijab incorrectly. Tabar’s case remains a controversial example of the consequences of challenging societal norms and censorship in Iran.