Being one of the country’s top male models, Waleed Khalid has had his fair share of struggle and learning experiences throughout his career. However, slowly and gradually, the model has gone from strength to strength, proving his mettle. Today Waleed Khalid is one of the most sought-after models of the Pakistani fashion industry and the face of many high-end brands, not to mention the opener and the showstopper for leading fashion brands. “It is essential to have access to the right platform when entering the fashion industry. I feel it’s more accurate to see how one takes directions and manages oneself while on the ramp. Knowing angles is also crucial. Some campaigns require particular looks and having them is again another requirement,” Khalid said, while talking exclusively to Daily Times. The model says confidence, loving yourself, being fit, a respectful attitude and a passion for your profession, are the tools needed to make a mark in not just modeling but any field. The Lahore-based model says confidence, loving oneself, being fit, a respectful attitude and a passion for your profession are the tools needed to make a mark in not just modeling but any field One of the highlights of Khalid’s career is that he never aspired to be a model in the first place. He was accidentally discovered. “I was in college, running an errand with a friend at the Jang office and someone came to me and asked me if I was interested in modelling for an upcoming clothing brand. I agreed and shortly afterward I began seeing billboards of myself everywhere in town. That helped me in getting a chance to walk for Munib Nawaz for Pakistan Fashion Design Council’s first fashion show. So while I was there, Hassan Sheheryar Yasin saw me and offered me to walk for his show. From then onwards, there was no looking back,” Khalid says. He says modeling is not something which his family was familiar with as before him, there had been no involvement by any of his family members in this field. The modeling industry has its shortcomings as well. After all, one can’t possibly model all their life. As far as we know, there has to be an alternate career for every model to fall back on. And there are so many examples of that. Many of our models are actors as well, doctors, entrepreneurs, singers, philanthropists, etc. “Sometimes it’s not easy to find a job even when you are extremely qualified and hold a really good degree. There is no guarantee of how much you may earn in a year or a month. Similarly, there is no guarantee in the field of modeling as well. It depends in your dedication and hard work at the end of the day and in modeling, if you are aware of your strengths, you can use them to your advantage. In fact, you might be able to enter the TV industry or films or even commercial advertising so the possibilities are endless,” Khalid says. Football star David Beckham who endorses a plethora of leading brands is the model’s favourite. British model David Gandy is his ideal too. Khalid says anyone who aspires to join modeling, should make a smashing portfolio, believe in him/herself and work hard on projecting his best features. Speaking about working hard on oneself, Khalid supports his statement by sharing how at one point he was a chain smoker. But owing to his will power, he quit successfully. “Any addiction is just a crutch for dealing with life. But then if I have to work out regularly and have to look a certain way for my profession, I will need to quit smoking. It’s beneficial in the long run,” he says. Khalid says he open to any offers regarding acting, if it’s a good project. He is looking forward to HSY’s upcoming solo show and has exciting projects and campaigns in the pipeline as well. Published in Daily Times, February 26th 2018.