Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: An 18-year-old tea vendor who became hottest new celebrity when his photo went viral on the Internet says he has no plans for an acting career – though he is flattered by the attention.

Arshad Khan became an overnight sensation this week when a photographer’s Instagram shot of him working at his tea stall was shared tens of thousands of times. “It was all very baffling,” said Khan, who has blue-green eyes, a wiry physique and a trim moustache.

Khan is an ethnic Pashtun, people living mostly in Pakistan and Afghanistan who sometimes have light skin and eyes, a testament to the region’s history as a cultural crossroads of trade, conquering armies and colonialism.

Local news outlets have reported offers of modelling contracts and even a possible film career for Khan, but he says he’s not interested. “I have not thought about (acting in) movies, because it’s not been done by anyone in our family,” he said.

Acting in films, he said “is not honourable work. Pashtuns always look for work that is honourable. If I can find some clean, honourable work, I will certainly do it.” Even if he did have acting aspirations, his opportunities may be limited by the escalating tensions between nuclear-armed neighbours Pakistan and India.

There have already been calls in India for a ban on Pakistani actors and actresses in the country’s giant film industry. Despite his lack of interest in acting, Khan said he has come to enjoy his sudden – albeit possibly brief – moment of fame. “I came to know this morning that I am very good looking,” he said. “All these people are coming and taking pictures and videos of me.”