Sahar Tabar, an Iranian Instagram personality whose real name is Fatemah Khishvand, gained international attention in 2017 after posting heavily edited and stylized photos that many believed were the result of extreme plastic surgery. Her dramatic transformation, rumored to be inspired by Angelina Jolie or Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride, shocked many online viewers and drew both fascination and criticism. Despite claims that she underwent over 50 plastic surgeries and lost 90 pounds, Sahar later clarified that much of her appearance was created through makeup and Photoshop, not solely through cosmetic procedures. She stated that her intention was not to resemble any celebrity but to express herself artistically and gain fame through her unique aesthetic.

However, Sahar’s rise to fame took a dark turn when the Iranian government arrested her in 2019, accusing her of “corruption” and “blasphemy.” She was sentenced to 10 years in prison, though international outcry and changing political circumstances in Iran, including protests sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini, may have contributed to her early release after just 14 months. Following her release, Sahar appeared on television, showing her real face and acknowledging that her viral images were largely digitally manipulated. Her story is a striking example of the intersection between social media fame, personal expression, and the harsh realities of censorship and control in certain parts of the world.