Treading New Ground

Fashion model Emmad Irfani tells PIQUE why he wants to pursue acting

How does 2014 look for you?

I feel I’m at a very pivotal point in my career and my life. In the last few months, I have made a conscious decision of acting. I started reading online about different forms of acting, did some research as I need to work on it to excel. I did my first serial a few months ago and currently, I am working on my second serial for GEO which is to be executed in December.

Why did you decide to venture into acting?

I’ve been in the industry for over 10 years. Earlier I was distracted as I was studying when I started my career. When I won the Lux award I wasn’t very ambitious and was going with the flow. Over the years I realized, I can do more and make a mark for myself into acting if I take it seriously which I do.

Did anyone in Pakistan inspire you to act?

I believe every industry needs role models. I have been inspired by a few people but I would say that the play Humsafar struck a chord with me and Fawad really inspired me. I feel we need to evolve, celebrate our own stars and match the international level.

Can modeling be a full time profession for men in Pakistan?

Well I never did it as a full time profession. I was dedicated about it and took it seriously but I feel it does not pay enough for a full time profession. Not just for men but female models have this issue too.

What do you feel about the Lahore/Karachi groups and their politics?

I would say certain individuals like to work with a certain group of people but if you’re wise enough and look at with perspective, there has been some history to this rivalry because of which we all can’t seem to work on a mutual goal. I don’t consider myself to be a part of it though so can’t really comment. In any case, modeling is somewhat of a past for me now. If something lucrative comes my way though I would still do it.

After all these years, is there still any stereotyping of male models?

All the great people in the world who broke barriers never cared what other people said. If you are committed you need to believe in what you’re doing. That’s what I believe in.

You have worked with all the big names, who are your favorite designers?

I have worked in my heydays with Omer Sayyed and Hassan Sheheryar Yasin and considerate them to be my favorites.