The Truth Behind Sahar Tabar: The Instagram Star Once Called “Zombie Angelina Jolie”

• 2025-04-22
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Sahar Tabar: The Real Story Behind the Viral Instagram Sensation

Sahar Tabar, a young woman from Tehran, Iran, became internet-famous in 2017 after posting shocking pictures of herself on Instagram. Her photos went viral because of her dramatic and unusual appearance, which many people believed was the result of over 50 plastic surgeries.

Some said she looked like a "zombie version" of Angelina Jolie or even the animated character Emily from Corpse Bride. But Sahar later explained that this was never her goal.

Was She Trying to Look Like Angelina Jolie?

Although many believed Sahar wanted to look like Angelina Jolie, she denied it. In an interview, Sahar (real name Fatemah Khishvand) said she was not trying to copy any celebrity. Instead, she described her photos as a form of art. She enjoyed using makeup, filters, and Photoshop to create dramatic looks.

“I had no interest in looking like Angelina Jolie or the Corpse Bride. I am my own inspiration,” Sahar said in a 2017 interview with Sputnik News.

While some of her photos were edited, Sahar did admit to having a few cosmetic procedures. These included rhinoplasty (nose surgery), lip fillers, and liposuction. In Iran, cosmetic surgery is very common, especially nose jobs, which are popular among young people.

Sahar believed there was nothing wrong with changing her appearance and felt supported by her followers. Her Instagram account quickly grew to over 400,000 followers.

“Many people around the world do this. Here in Tehran, cosmetic surgery is normal,” she once said.

Backlash and Legal Trouble

Despite her popularity, not everyone supported her transformation. Some thought she went too far and criticized her for her extreme look. Sahar, however, said the most important thing was the support of her family and her faith.

Things took a serious turn in 2019 when Sahar was arrested by Iranian authorities. She was charged with “corruption” and “blasphemy.” Her Instagram account was deleted, and in 2020, she was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

This sparked outrage. Human rights activists, including Masih Alinejad, asked for her release, saying Sahar was just a teenager who used social media for fun.

“Sahar Tabar is only 19. Her joke landed her in jail. Her mother cries every day,” Masih Alinejad wrote, asking for international support.

Sahar Tabar’s Release and Life Now

After 14 months in prison, Sahar was released. This happened during a time of protests in Iran, following the death of Mahsa Amini. Sahar said a judge changed her prison sentence into a bail order.

After her release, Sahar appeared on Iranian TV and showed her real face. She explained that while she had a few cosmetic procedures, the viral photos were mostly created with makeup and Photoshop.

Today, her original Instagram account remains deactivated. However, many fan pages still share her old photos and videos.

Final Thoughts

Sahar Tabar’s story is more than just strange selfies. It shows the power of social media, the pressure to look a certain way, and the risks people take for fame. Most of all, it reminds us that there’s often more behind the headlines.

We hope Sahar is now safe and happy, and we respect her choice to express herself in her own way.