OUR SWEET VALENTINE OMER SHAHZAD

We’ve all seen him strutting down the runway, bagging major fashion campaigns and receiving praise for noteworthy performances in film and TV, but few know Omer Shahzad beyond his brooding good looks and professional success.  Sana Zehra meets the promising star to dig deep

You’re on the cover of our Valentine’s Day issue, so of course, we have to start off by asking about your love life. Are you in love and is marriage on the cards? 

It’s too early for me to disclose, but if anything materialises, I’ll let you know. I’m a firm believer in the institution of marriage and envision myself taking the plunge when the time is right, which will be soon hopefully.

“I’m a firm believer in the institution of marriage and envision myself taking the plunge when the time is right”

“I’m a firm believer in the institution of marriage and envision myself taking the plunge when the time is right”

What’s your take on modern romance? Why do you think the percentage of long-lasting relationships has decreased in your generation? 

I’m a pretty old-school guy, so can’t relate to the dynamics of modern romance. I’m a reserved person, an introvert, so it takes me time to open up to people. This means it’s not easy for me to trust anyone enough to get into a relationship with them. However, once I am in one, I make sure I honour it with all I have. It’s crucial to fully understand someone before committing to them, but I find a lot of young people these days rush into relationships they aren’t truly ready for. When the inevitable problems occur, they find it hard to cope and look for an escape.

Do you believe love is blind?

No. Real love is not blind, infatuation is. If you decide to spend your life with someone, your fundamental value system needs to be the same. Of course, no two people can be completely identical, and you have to accept your partner with his or her quirks. However, that applies to certain habits, not principles and core personality traits. Love is a sacred emotion, it needs to be shared with caution.

If you were to give one piece of advice to young couples, what would it be?

Losing a relationship hurts, but losing yourself in a relationship hurts more. Be wise.

Moving on to your professional life, tell us how you started your modelling career.

I auditioned as a model for Bridal Couture Week in 2012 and got selected amongst 200 male models. Haven’t looked back since then.

“No two people can be completely identical, and you have to accept your partner with his or her quirks. However, that applies to certain habits, not principles and core personality traits”

We noticed you were missing during the promotions of your film Jawani Phir Nahi Aani 2 (JPNA2). Why was that? 

I don’t want to get into details but I was missing because the team never informed me of the promotions. It obviously felt bad; I had high expectations from this project. Things clearly didn’t pan out as I had assumed.

How has JPNA2 prepared you for your leap into feature films?

Since I come from a modelling background, acting has proven to be a completely new experience for me. However, it’s an avenue I’ve always wanted to explore and JPNA2 was just the beginning. The movie provided me some much needed insight and understanding of how things work in the industry.

Tell us about your upcoming projects.

I’m very excited about my upcoming drama Gul-o-Gulzaar. It’s a labour of love; a project very close to my heart.

In one of your interviews, you claimed being better than Hrithik Roshan. Why are Bollywood actors a benchmark?

Bollywood is a benchmark for obvious reasons. We’ve been watching Indian movies since years, and while Lollywood is finally on the right track, it’s still growing as an industry. There’s nothing wrong with acknowledging that Bollywood’s filming standards are high, nor is there anything wrong with us trying to achieve the same. In fact, doing so is what will eventually make the local audience choose Pakistani films over Indian ones, something we’ve been able to do successfully with television.

“I was missing because the team never informed me of the promotions. It obviously felt bad; I had high expectations from this project”

Tell us about your obsession with fitness. 

I’m a fitness model, it’s what I do for a living. The body I have today is something I’ve worked extremely hard to achieve and continue pushing myself daily to maintain. Trust me, it’s not an easy job. I’m proud of my body because it’s a product of a lot of heavy labour.

How do you overcome setbacks?

I’m a very optimistic person and always focus on the positives more than the negatives. Life is full of disappointments and challenges, particularly professional ones. This attitude of mine helps me bounce back from failure each time.

“There’s nothing wrong with acknowledging that Bollywood’s standards of filming are great, nor is there anything wrong with us trying to achieve the same”

What’s one lesson you had to learn the hard way? 

The biggest lessons in life are always learnt the hard way. Experiencing loss you weren’t prepared for makes you grow and turn into a version of yourself you never expected to become. For me, the turning point in my life was when my mother passed away. It was as if my biggest support, the pillar I always leaned on, had been taken away from me. I knew the only way to survive was to rely on no one but myself; to be self-sufficient and independent.

What does a typical day in your life look like? 

I work throughout the day, every day. Once I’m home I change and go out for a walk, come back, have dinner and jump straight into bed. So, a typical day in my life is pretty mundane and predictable. On the occasional day off though, I try spending time with family and friends.

SHORT & SWEET

Do you believe in love at first sight?

Yes, definitely.

How do you celebrate Valentine’s Day? 

Honestly, I don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day.

Dream date?

Visiting the locations in London that are close to my heart with my significant other.

Perfect Valentine’s Day song? 

Aaj janay ki zid na kero

Most embarrassing memory?

I had a major crush on one of my teachers in school. The day I finally decided to muster up some guts and profess my love to her, she revealed what I had done to the whole class. I was awfully embarrassed.

Describe yourself in three words.

Sensitive, Reserved, Hilarious

A superstition you believe in?

Wishing upon a fallen lash.

When and where was the last time you danced?

At my sister’s wedding a few years back and for a song in JPNA2.

Hidden talent?

I can sing, but that isn’t a hidden talent anymore.

Dream project?

A good action film.

Greatest fear?

Losing the people I love. Also, I’m petrified of roller coasters.

Imagine you are the PM of our country. What three things would keep you up at night?

Poverty, Lack of resources , Ever-growing crime rate

Greatest weakness?

My gym

Greatest strength?

My family

Models:  Omer Shahzad and Janira Ider

Designer:  HSY

Photography & Concept:  Shakeel Bin Afzal

Location:  Parklane London