For over a decade, Pakistani supermodel Emmad Irfani has captivated
the world with his boyish charm. Now this overachieving lad is once
again on the top as one of the chosen few to visit India for a
fashion extravaganza.
Known as one of the most successful men the modeling industry has
produced, Emmad has used character, determination and hard work to
earn a reputation as someone who is bound for much more than the
cover of magazines.
Despardes caught up with Emmad Irfani on his second visit to India,
and grilled him about his impression of India from a Pakistani point
of view, the differences in the fashion industries, and what he
likes most about India...
“My first impression of Delhi was that almost everything from the
warmth of the locals to the language to even the auto rickshaws
littering the streets was just like my native land. I actually felt
as though I was sitting in Lahore! I had heard a lot about India
although my own knowledge was limited to Amitabh Bachchan films, and
I just cannot recall getting as excited as I was once I found out
that I had bagged an assignment to take part in a fashion show in
India,” he reminisced.
“At that time, there were no air flights between Pakistan and India,
so we traveled by the Lahore-Delhi bus service. Crossing the border
was a memorable experience that I don’t think I could ever express
in mere words. The journey itself made me realize how close our
roots are … the similarities in the countryside and then eventually
urban Delhi ... everything was just like Lahore and yet I was in
another country,” he continued.
“I found people in both New Delhi and Mumbai very warm and friendly;
from the first day itself, I felt at home and didn’t face any
apprehension even subconsciously about being a Pakistani in a
foreign land,” said the lad who was pretty impressed by the Indian
work culture.
“Modelling for designer Krisna Mehta was great,” enthused the
self-confessed fan. “Shantanu and Nikhil’s wedding sherwanis, and
especially Manish Malhotra’s ensembles made me feel like a prince –
his creations were so rich and regal in character.”
From an outsider’s point of view, Emmad feels that the nightlife in
India is quite vibrant. “We got a chance to visit FTV Bar and
Olive bar and Kitchen; both the places till date remain my favorite
bars.
FTV played some great music and Olive had awesome Skillet Seared
Chicken and Burled Norwegian Salmon. I literally feasted on the rich
Indian cuisine in Delhi, especially at the Paranthewali Gali, where
the paratha fillings include potato, radish, peas, paneer, methi,
pudina, garlic, onion, baby corn, cauliflower, tomato and even
mushroom” revealed Emmad.
 After his visit to Mumbai, Emmad realized why Delhi is dubbed the
fashion hub of the country. “Visiting Mumbai made me realize why
Delhi is referred to as the fashion hub of India. According to me,
it’s because Mumbai places a lot of weight on Bollywood. After all,
a major part of the film industry is based in Mumbai.”
We couldn’t resist asking him to compare the fashion industry in
Pakistan with that in India, to which he gravely responded, “It
would be unjust to compare the fashion industry of Pakistan with
India because ours is in nascent stage and it’s just for the past
four or five years that the people here have started taking fashion
seriously. Thankfully though, Pakistan is now getting out of its
conservative shell.”
Being a Pakistani, would he like to work in India? “Oh yes! I
personally feel that the people don’t share any animosity. When
India was playing Pakistan in Lahore, at one point I thought that I
was watching the cricket match in Delhi; there were so many blue
t-shirts in the crowd! It made me feel very proud to be good hosts.”
“I would love to work in the Indian fashion industry. In fact, it
would be great if I could do a catalogue shoot with prominent
designers like Krisna Mehta and Gudda. And hey, if we could have a
‘dosti series’ in cricket and hockey, then why not fashion?”
As a parting shot, Emmad Irfani confessed that he is again looking
forward to his next visit to the country. “I find India full of
character, and one of those countries that I would just love
traveling to either on work or on holiday; from street shopping for
odds-and-ends in Janpath to dining at the Olive Bar & Kitchen, each
special memory makes me want to visit the country again.”
(-Despardes) |
Articles
Astrology
Bangladesh
News
Oscar-Tango
