Sahar Tabar, born Fatemah Khishvand in Tehran, became internet-famous in 2017 after posting shocking, heavily altered photos of herself that led many to believe she had undergone extreme surgery to look like Angelina Jolie or even the Corpse Bride.
But Sahar later revealed the truth: her look was never meant to imitate anyone. Instead, she saw her posts as a form of art—mixing makeup, editing, and some cosmetic procedures like rhinoplasty and lip fillers. Despite rumors of over 50 surgeries and dramatic weight loss, she insisted much of her transformation was digital.
In a country with a booming plastic surgery industry, Sahar’s dramatic online persona brought her hundreds of thousands of followers. While many criticized her appearance, Sahar said she felt supported by those around her and remained focused on staying true to herself, regardless of online judgment.
However, her fame came at a cost. In 2019, Sahar was arrested by Iranian authorities for “corruption” and “blasphemy.” She was sentenced to 10 years in prison—but was released after 14 months, likely due to mounting protests and international pressure, including from activists and public figures.
After her release, Sahar appeared on TV showing her natural face and clarified that her infamous images were mostly the result of digital manipulation, not dozens of surgeries.
Her story is more than just viral photos—it’s about expression, control, and the risks of standing out in a restrictive society.