Shoaib is one of my very first e-friends.
We befriended on Orkut, and now we are pals on Facebook as well, and even though our interactions haven't been too regular in all these years, he has always come across as unassuming, friendly and responsive. He has been pursuing a career in modelling rather seriously, and, to be very honest, his natural charm would easily appeal to anyone who vibes with him. Contrary to the narcissistic froppery and snootiness that some male models are known for, Shoaib is an easy-going lad. Here, for the readers of my blog, I have had a candid chat with him, essentially on his modelling dreams and pursuits:
My sister, who is also a fashion designer, and my brother ....they both saw the potential in me and encouraged me to get into this and made sure that I had my portfolio done..... that was how it all started.
Tell me, who inspired you?
None other than Salman Khan....
Really? That's interesting.
Ya, I have always looked up to him as my role model... I really like his style, his charisma, his acting, everything about him, and have always wanted to do the same... You can say, I am a die-hard fan of Salman Khan.
Did you have any mentor or guide to help you groom as a professional model?
No, I think you don't need any grooming as such. You develop the spark within, that inner strength of yours on your own.... with your inner confidence you are the one who can actually change yourself.
That's true, but what do you think are the pre-requisites for a successful model, apart from the natural good looks which you are blessed with?
Hard-Work , a positive attitude, focus and patience - these are the key factors for one's success in any field, and modelling is no exception.
Do you love to function more as a ramp-model, or for television commercials or for the print medium, any preferences?
Ohh.... I enjoy all of them so no personal preferences as such.
When you are on your own, what are most comfortable in?
My denims and a cool t-shirt.
That's cool! Buddy, would you say male models have more competition than female models? I mean, are the opportunities less?
Well, I don't think so. As far as I am concerned, I have never felt that kind of insecurity, and I truly believe that one should be his own toughest competitor.
Any personal favorites or idols amongst the male models, who you look up to?
Yeah.... Shawar Ali Bhai.
I think, he has been one of the most successful male models from India, in the league of Milind Soman, Arjun Rampal, Dino Morea, and Zulfi Syed.
True. Plus, he has been around for so long!
Yes. Now, would you like to share some interesting/funny/bizarre experiences as a model?
Every moment in this field is interesting, every shoot, every assignment comes with its own share of excitement.... so, nothing in particular.
Many think that modelling as a career option is not so lucrative despite the quick bucks and the glamour, as the shelf-life of a model is quite small. Would you agree?
Yes, you can say that if you want to limit yourself only to this as a career.
You are quite accomplished even academically, as you are a dentist as well.....
Well, even if one wants to diversify in showbiz, one can easily move into films and television. So, it all depends upon the thinking and the determination of an individual to make it big. This is the way it is ... I mean, one does require to look beyond and move on in life, one should always look for betterment. Hence, to remain in the limelight for a greater span, one cannot afford to limit one's growth as just a model.
I agree. By the way, talking of films, do you find a bias amongst film-directors who are of the view that male models are too vain to emote comfortably in front of the camera?
Actually, I have a different opinion on this. Such a generalization would not be proper. I can tell you that I have seen the perspective vary from individual to individual. I won't say that there's a general reservation on the part of the directors to use model-turned actors.
Finally, tell me what you look forward to achieving in the future, any special dream or aspiration that you'd like to share with my readers?
Hahaha.... my future plan.... rather, my only dream is to get into films and to become successful actor eventually.
Okay.... that's superb! Here's wishing you all the best. May all your dreams come true, and may you have a contented life, buddy.
We befriended on Orkut, and now we are pals on Facebook as well, and even though our interactions haven't been too regular in all these years, he has always come across as unassuming, friendly and responsive. He has been pursuing a career in modelling rather seriously, and, to be very honest, his natural charm would easily appeal to anyone who vibes with him. Contrary to the narcissistic froppery and snootiness that some male models are known for, Shoaib is an easy-going lad. Here, for the readers of my blog, I have had a candid chat with him, essentially on his modelling dreams and pursuits:
Hi Shoaib, first, I would like to know about your initiation into modelling..... how did it all start?
My sister, who is also a fashion designer, and my brother ....they both saw the potential in me and encouraged me to get into this and made sure that I had my portfolio done..... that was how it all started.
Tell me, who inspired you?
None other than Salman Khan....
Really? That's interesting.
Ya, I have always looked up to him as my role model... I really like his style, his charisma, his acting, everything about him, and have always wanted to do the same... You can say, I am a die-hard fan of Salman Khan.
Did you have any mentor or guide to help you groom as a professional model?
No, I think you don't need any grooming as such. You develop the spark within, that inner strength of yours on your own.... with your inner confidence you are the one who can actually change yourself.
That's true, but what do you think are the pre-requisites for a successful model, apart from the natural good looks which you are blessed with?
Hard-Work , a positive attitude, focus and patience - these are the key factors for one's success in any field, and modelling is no exception.
Do you love to function more as a ramp-model, or for television commercials or for the print medium, any preferences?
Ohh.... I enjoy all of them so no personal preferences as such.
When you are on your own, what are most comfortable in?
My denims and a cool t-shirt.
That's cool! Buddy, would you say male models have more competition than female models? I mean, are the opportunities less?
Well, I don't think so. As far as I am concerned, I have never felt that kind of insecurity, and I truly believe that one should be his own toughest competitor.
Any personal favorites or idols amongst the male models, who you look up to?
Yeah.... Shawar Ali Bhai.
I think, he has been one of the most successful male models from India, in the league of Milind Soman, Arjun Rampal, Dino Morea, and Zulfi Syed.
True. Plus, he has been around for so long!
Yes. Now, would you like to share some interesting/funny/bizarre experiences as a model?
Every moment in this field is interesting, every shoot, every assignment comes with its own share of excitement.... so, nothing in particular.
Many think that modelling as a career option is not so lucrative despite the quick bucks and the glamour, as the shelf-life of a model is quite small. Would you agree?
Yes, you can say that if you want to limit yourself only to this as a career.
You are quite accomplished even academically, as you are a dentist as well.....
Well, even if one wants to diversify in showbiz, one can easily move into films and television. So, it all depends upon the thinking and the determination of an individual to make it big. This is the way it is ... I mean, one does require to look beyond and move on in life, one should always look for betterment. Hence, to remain in the limelight for a greater span, one cannot afford to limit one's growth as just a model.
I agree. By the way, talking of films, do you find a bias amongst film-directors who are of the view that male models are too vain to emote comfortably in front of the camera?
Actually, I have a different opinion on this. Such a generalization would not be proper. I can tell you that I have seen the perspective vary from individual to individual. I won't say that there's a general reservation on the part of the directors to use model-turned actors.
Finally, tell me what you look forward to achieving in the future, any special dream or aspiration that you'd like to share with my readers?
Hahaha.... my future plan.... rather, my only dream is to get into films and to become successful actor eventually.
Okay.... that's superb! Here's wishing you all the best. May all your dreams come true, and may you have a contented life, buddy.
