Waleed Khalid is among the well-recognized faces in Pakistan’s fashion industry. Based in Lahore, it didn’t take long for him to garner attention of the crème de’ la crème of the industry- not only because of his handsome features but also because of his professional work ethic and commitment to his work. In an exclusive interview for Social Diary, Nudrat Mustafa talked to the charming model about his venture into this field and more….
Tell us about yourself? Your dob, family and education.
I was born on the 2nd of January and am the youngest of 4 siblings, three brothers and one sister. I come from a very normal conservative family and no one in my family has ever modeled or ever been in this field. I’ve always loved sports and was cricket crazy when I was at school. In college I developed a passion for bodybuilding and took part in competitions initially at college level then went on to compete at National level and represented Punjab at the Nationals.
When did you decide you will join the fashion/modeling industry? How were you ‘discovered?’
I got my first campaign for a clothing brand when I was at college. When the campaign billboards went up right outside the college walls that was when I first decided that I wanted to pursue modeling as my profession. After that I was selected to walk the ramp for Munib Nawaz for the very first PFDC show, HSY spotted me backstage and asked me to walk the ramp for him and the rest is history.
Where do you pull your inspiration from?
My passion is fitness and when you feel good you look good! Dressing up is fun. As a model you always have to be fit and look good this inspires how to keep renovating yourself.
Is modeling an easy job or more strenuous than people realize? How so?
Initially it’s quite overwhelming! You have to remain conscious; stay fit and learn to interact well with others.
Remember your presence on the ramp and keep the music in your head as you take your positions. There is a lot of competition you have to stay on top of the game. In still shoots you have to manage your best angles and body language to work well with the camera.
The best and worst thing about being a model is?
The best things about being a model is that you get a lot of attention and recognition and it’s feels good to be appreciated and it’s easy to make friends because people like you for your work.
The worst thing about being a model is that you can’t always eat what you want to and have to always remain fit and be conscious of how you look.
Your favorite campaign to date?
My favorite campaign has to be the campaign I did in the old city of Lahore for Munib Nawaz. He was also the photographer
What do you enjoy most about your profession?
Appreciation and respect from your fans. You don’t have very set working hours and you can earn a lot of money in a short span of time.
Any personal ambitions yet unattained?
I want to be a big movie star and am waiting for the perfect campaign that is after my own heart.
Describe a typical day of yours?
Well to stay fit I have a set routine I work out regularly and am very particular about my diet so I prepare all my meals myself with fresh and organic ingredients. When I’m working on a project I like to prepare for shows and discuss shoots, go for fittings and make sure I stay fit and eat well.
On what do you spend the most: clothes, accessories, perfumes or anything else?
As a model you always have access to good clothes 🙂 I like to spend on my food supplies, gym and supplements. I don’t indulge in any processed boxed foods or beverages.
Do you eat nutritiously? How often do you exercise or go to the gym?
Honestly, not all the time… But when I know that I have projects to work on I follow a very strict diet plan which I design and prepare myself. I prepare the meals according to what I feel my body needs in coordination to my fitness schedule. I used to work out six times a week. Then I damaged some ligaments… So now I work out 3 to 4 times a week… But am working towards my 6 times a week routine.
The 5 things you can’t live without are…?
My cellphone
My vehicle
Food
Money
Music
Does being a celebrity prevent you from being or doing something you really like?
I have not really experienced that I spend time with my friends and have normal conversations …. Only if I feel that someone is trying to put me down then I become I direct with them.
Sometimes the industry gets a bad blow with jealousy and egos. Is this true for you? Have you managed to tough it out and make good friends? Name some of your really good friends in the industry.
Initially I didn’t believe in jealousy and ego issues. But now I’ve realized that in this field you have to be careful and you can’t really have many friends, however I usually ignore ego issues and have no problem working with anyone. I have a few good friends one of them being HSY.
Describe your perfect woman in three words.
Intellectual
Smartly dressed
Beautiful hair
What advice would you give through the platform to the youngsters who look up to you as their inspiration?
I have been asked this by many people and I would have to say you should be patient wait for you time it will come, remember experience is very valuable you can never get to much of it and always respect the advice of your seniors it will always be of help.
