There is a formidable young man in town and he has been here for a while now, we just didn’t notice! It is about time I introduced you to Omer Shahzad, an accomplished model turned actor who is making his way to the big screen yet again in this year’s ‘Jawani Phir Nai Ani 2’. Having interviewed him recently, Omer talks modeling, acting and more in an exclusive interview for Daily Times.
How do you maintain your physical fitness?
I have a daily gym routine and a diet plan. I follow it religiously and take it very seriously. I am also a health freak and have to regulate my calories because it is a requirement. In spite of that, I do it for myself because in the end, it gives me satisfaction.
How is modeling tough or challenging?
It is not easy at all to like a model. It is an extremely difficult job to maintain yourself. We need to be fit because if we say that we are models, we should look like one as people idolize us. Everybody wants to be a model but not everyone can be a model. So, in that sense I have really worked on myself and my weak areas.
Shahzad says when you are an actor, you can mimic actors that you follow or make fun of. “But no, I don’t mimic anyone. People have their own sense of style and I respect that”
What essentials are needed to become an exceptional model?
There is a lot of competition today so to become an exceptional model, you need to be fit. It is when you realize that people look at you and say, ‘I knew you were a model when I first saw you.’ One should not just be good looking but also have appropriate communication skills. It is great to have good education too as it helps; wearing decent pair of shoes, fitted jeans or a t shirt does not entitle you to an established model. Even if you have the desired look, you should have a good attitude. People often say that models are arrogant but I try to be very down to earth. It is not that I have to be that way, but it is just the way I am and will always be.
Did you always wish to walk the ramp when you were young?
I always wanted to be an actor. But yes, I got my first break as a model and later started working in television as well so I love it both ways.
Is modeling an underpaid profession?
When you start off as a model, you do not get much money but gradually, when you become a seasoned model, clients approach you and they ask you how much you are going to charge. When you opt for a appropriate sum, they give it to you. However, it depends on what kind of work you are doing and what team you are associated with.
Do you find Pakistan’s fashion industry limited in exposure?
No, not at all. In the last three or four years, it has grown with time. You get good platforms now because the fashion weeks go on air on different channels such as HUM TV and you get the recognition as a model. But in limited time, you need to prove yourself. I must say that since we have the much needed platforms, people get recognized and they come to you and give you compliments. So yes, Pakistan’s fashion industry has a long way to go.
Do you feel pressure to be a part of an industry that is mostly led by females?
Yes, it is very female oriented because the fashion industry has a lot of labels and campaigns for women. But in the last few years, male modeling has covered a lot too. Almost everyone wants to do campaigning whether eastern or western for men’s labels. But it is important that you work with the right team. The fashion industry will always be female centric. Today, every label requires male models for fashion weeks as the industry does not want to focus only on female modeling.
How do you prepare yourself before walking the ramp?
I am used to it now (laughs). I know what I have to do. It feels great when you walk on the ramp and have all eyes on you. Even if someone calls me a day before, I am always prepared.
What future projects can we expect from Omer Shehzad?
Well, there are a lot of things to expect but right now I am working on my new film Jawani Phir Nai Ani 2.
Are there any plans of making a big screen comeback?
I have been acting since 2016 and have previously worked in a film. I’m currently doing another project. I have worked in television as well and as I told you earlier, I always wanted to become an actor. I simply love acting and hope for good projects in the future.
Did you get a chance to work in neighboring India?
Yes, I got an official call from Yash Raj Productions and had a brief video chat with Shanoo Sharma; but since the situation is dire at the moment, it is not easy to work across the border. I will say this, when you work hard, your work speaks for itself regardless of it being anywhere around the world; people see your work, they approach you and want to work with you.
Do you prefer trends or comfort when it comes to fashion?
I go for comfort because we wear trends on ramps. I have done shoots for almost every designer so I personally prefer comfort over trends and feel good about wearing casual clothes. But I wear all the colors and shoes, ripped jeans, trousers, t-shirts and shirts.
In your profession, do you mimic anyone in fashion?
When you are an actor, you can mimic actors that you follow or make fun of. But no, I don’t mimic anyone. People have their own sense of style and I respect that. It is no one else but me, Omer Shahzad.
There is a lot to say about Omer Shahzad. Not only does he know how to work the camera but he can act as well! Not many artists can juggle two subfields so generously but Omer sure knows how to.
Published in Daily Times, April 28th 2018.