The dynamite combination of chiselled features, superbly sculpted physique and smouldering eyes makes Farhad Shahnawaz one of the hottest models today.
In his oozing supreme confidence while strutting down the ramp or blazing billboards across the United States as the model for Chi, this stunner is the envy of men in his hometown of Hyderabad. His sinuous grace and natural charm, which earned him a spot in the final four of Gladrags Manhunt 2004, make him a favourite among designers like Rohit Bal, Manish Malhotra, Wendell Rodrigues and Ritu Kumar.
But all has not been smooth sailing. From battling severe asthma all his life to surviving a career threatening accident, Farhad Shahnawaz has overcome uncommon odds to emerge a winner. In this interview with NXg, he recounts his rise to the top.
From a dancer to a model. What inspired your transition?
I've always been fascinated by the modelling world. The glamour, the fashion, the attention - all appealed to me immensely. My elder brother was a model too. But back then when I started out I was very thin. Six feet tall and lean as a pole. So I started working out and within a year I had a decent body. My first photo shoot got a good response and I started doing some small time shows.
Tell us about your Gladrags Manhunt experience.
A good friend sent a few snaps of mine to Gladrags in 2004 and I got a call from them. I entered the contest with a positive attitude, and was sure that I would be in the top five. Before I entered I was told that they would not be responsible for an asthmatic attack. I was on my own. And when I said I was going to reach the finals in a live television interview, other contestants called me a fool. But apparently my statement made a good impression on Mrs. Maureen Wadia. Soon I reached the final four and won the Mr. Personality title to boot. Gladrags was a big stepping stone for me.
What happened after that?
The Manhunt opened many doors for me. I made my debut in Lakme Fashion Week in 2005. I did a lot of shows for big designer stores, as a model for shoes, clothes, accessories etc. My career was moving along at a steady pace. I did a couple of Tollywood movies, including
‘Style' and ‘Relax'. But as fate would have it, I suffered a major spinal injury – a slipped disc and a muscle tear in the neck. The doctors had pronounced my career dead . That was a dark period in my life. I put on weight and went into depression. But as I lay in bed I sought and found my former optimism. Soon I got up and hit the gym again. After months of pain and hard work I got back into shape.
Your story is inspiring. How did you revive your modelling career?
I made my comeback at the Lakme Fashion Week 2008 as the showstopper for Sabyasachi Mukherjee. Then I went on to become a modelfor Chi, a brand from Farouk Systems.
Is it tough being a male model in India? What does it take to make it to the top?
It's pretty tough being a male model in India. Contests make it easier though. But trying to get back into the scene is difficult. So to make it to the top you have to be strong and confident. You have to be prepared for disappointment. But just be yourself and have the right attitude. And oh, eat right.
What are your future plans? Are you interested in more films?
I want to keep rising as a model in the fashion industry. I love the job. People look at you with awe. Travelling and wearing designer clothing are great perks too.
And to answer your second question, I am very interested in films. I'm keen on acting in Bollywood. I think negative roles would suit me.
Quick Takes:
Favourite physical: I love myself from head to toe.
Favourite Designer: Too many to mention.
Favourite Photographer: Sayan Sur Roy
Favourite Movie: The Matrix
What's playing on your ipod? : Stereo Love
Fitness Mantra: Know your body type. Balance training and diet.
Diet: Breakfast is the most important meal. Eggs, carrots, boiled chicken, lots of juices and 5 – 6 litres of water.
Aishan is II Year B.A. Mass Communication and Journalism student at St. Mary's Degree College, Hyderabad.
