We exclusively speak to model Shahzad Noor who has graced numerous fashion campaigns and ramps with his high-class looks. He fills us in on his journey as a fashion model, whether he will be making his comeback in acting, his career goals and more. Read on...
Hi Shahzad! Tell us about your journey as a fashion model – how did you start, your first campaign etc.
I was not interested in modelling at all in the beginning, I hadn’t even thought about it. I worked for a designer in PFDC where Khawar Riaz approached me and convinced me I had the look and should start modelling. So I did a shoot for designer HSY - my first ever shoot and without having any portfolio – it all started from there.
How would you describe your fashion sense and what do you think sets you apart from other models?
I believe you show your inner self through your clothes and the way you wear them, they reflect who you are. I always lean towards basics as I’m not really into brands, I prefer street style. I think another thing that makes me different from other male models is that they specialise in one area such as print editorials, cat walking or TVC commercial brands. I’m more eclectic because I can and will work in all these areas
It’s been a while since we’ve seen you act. Any plans on making a comeback? Why did you stop acting?
I am a very lucky person who was ‘pushed’ into acting when I wasn’t really ready. I always feel that if you start doing something you should learn or gain knowledge on how to do it before you begin. As
we don’t have any drama schools in Pakistan, we have to learn ‘on the job’, which is what I’m doing at the moment. So watch this space, I am coming back very soon
As a fashion model, what challenges do you face in the industry and hope to overcome?
As I said earlier, I am a lucky person as I didn’t really have to struggle much to be a model because of my ‘perfect’ height, body shape and face cut for modelling - which is simply a God given gift.
The camera doesn’t love everyone but for some reason it seems to like me. All I had to do was to learn how to hold and present myself, and to improve my work as much as possible to become my best modelling self
What has been the most memorable moment of your career, so far?
I have so many!
I am the only male model who has won all the national awards in Pakistan - three Lux Style, two Hum TV and one Hum Style awards
I’ve also been fortunate to win the Kashmir Hum Style award for 'Most Popular Male Model', alongside many international awards. I think this shows that the people’s jury and editors of our fashion industry love me which I am really grateful for. My Pashtoon family isn’t always so impressed with this and don’t care which is totally fine (laughs).
What are your thoughts on the Pakistani fashion industry?
The fashion industry is growing and it’s now reaching out to a wider audience, which is a good thing.
There are no limits now, you don’t have to be tall with fair skin - especially as a female, so I think people in general here are now more open to modelling in Pakistan
and recognise that it’s not all just about looking one way.
What is your greatest strength and weakness as a professional?
I think my strength is that I can now listen in an understanding way to people who know nothing about me but still make statements (positive and negative) about my life, and take that all with ease and grace. My weakness is once I am committed to work, I can’t say no to them even if it’s not good for me.
What are your career goals over the next five years?
To always keep myself happy in the work I choose or am chosen to do, and to be the best and most professional and authentic me I can be in those roles.
What advice do you have for emerging models that are looking to break into the fashion industry?
My advice to those is to never listen to your friends’ girlfriends and family when they say why don’t you start modeling. You become so desperate to approach the wrong people who have nothing to do with the fashion industry except some pictures with models, designers and celebrities that make you think they can make you a model, that’s not true. Always work on yourself...improve yourself.
INTERVIEW: SAFA ADNAN
PHOTOS: COURTESY SHAHZAD NOOR