Rizwan Ali Jaffri, also known as RAJ is a heart-throb of our country. The multi-talented Rizwan is all set to make his film debut. On his birthday we bring to you Rizwan’s exclusive interview which he gave to FHM Pakistan few months ago. Enjoy!
FHM: Tell us about your journey of being the famous Rizwan Ali Jafri?
RAJ: In my journey of being Rizwan Ali Jafri, there is a huge contribution of my friend Ali Shakeel who introduced me to the fashion. I started off with modelling for Wella Hair Show. I joined Khawar Riaz camp and had a great learning experience. I did a-lot of shoots, shows, Tvc’s and then started freelance singing and acting. After completing my MBA in I.T I released my first album.
FHM: Where do you enjoy working the most?
RAJ: When I was modelling, I didn’t know about TV. But when I started acting I wasn’t RAJ (Rizwan Ali Jafri) but I was always the character I’m playing. Its new every time, I write songs as well so I enjoy this part too.
FHM: How’s the scene in the site of drama?
RAJ: Acting is something different from fashion. Drama and acting is a total different industry. We can’t compare it with the fashion world. The attitude and atmosphere is different. Fashion is all about glamour and style, whereas in dramas and film it’s all about acting, its all about your personality. How well you can understand a script, a character and bring it to life, it is all very important. Acting appeals me because it’s something new every time. While walking a ramp you just wear clothes, walk the ramp and come back or if a choreographer changed the choreography then you enjoy a bit that okay we did something different. I personally have never even fought for being a “show stopper” I’m just there for the job, I get paid.
FHM: What do you think about casting couch?
RAJ: Casting couch is there; it’s always been there and always will be there. I believe that in this industry casting couch got a lot of hype, because it’s the media and as everyone follows fashion dramas and everything. People get to talk about it and its everywhere in the world. And its you who want to choose the process. There’s a long way and then there’s a short way. I will choose the long way. “I don’t work for the awards, I work for the rewards.” That’s my agenda, my aim. That’s why I don’t have any problem with anyone.
FHM: Is there a chance that your brand might come like Rizwan Ali Jafri?
RAJ: I would love to have a clothing brand but still not sure. I prefer street wear or suits. I like being casual and trendy so i’ll rather dress up in a street wear, cool wear or suits. But I also want to open a deli for weight conscious people where you get sandwiches, salads, where calories are mention with them plus they give home deliveries.
FHM: Who’s your mentor?
RAJ: I have a-lot of mentors, as i love to learn things. In singing, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Sajjad Ali. If we talk about models then Marcus Schenkenberg (Swedish male model), Alessandria Ambrosia (Brazilian female model), Ameer Zeb Khan and Cybil Chaudary. and favourite designer would be Ahmed Bahm, Amir Adnan and Deepak Parwani.
FHM: Any plans of opening a production house?
RAJ: I don’t know about that, but I would love to open an acting school. It is really important in Pakistan. I’ve seen that spark in the youth of Pakistan and our youth is very much interested in taking part in this field. And to see that the youth is looking up to you and you’re their style icon is an amazing feeling. That’s a kick for me!
FHM: Is it true that male models fight for the first position or for being the show stopper?
RAJ: Yes, it wasn’t there before but now it’s very much common. It’s like everyone wants to be on their own like I told you that we used to sit with our seniors and learn a lot from them. They used to guide us that how to stand, how to pose, where to stand, where to walk. Even in the acting world the seniors are there for us like Noman Ejaz, Firdous Jamal, Kavi Sahab. They are the institutes. We learn a lot from them. I personally go to them and learn because unfortunately there are no institutes here where you can go and learn. Acting is something that you get practically.
FHM: What do you suggest to the new lot?
RAJ: First you need to see if you deserve it. I’ve seen a lot of people who messages me and ask if I could help them. I mean how can i help you when you’re not fit at all but that does not mean that you lose hope. Enjoy your life be your own model. Just stay fit and eat healthy. I go to the gym every day, I go jogging. One should try to be positive because you don’t know how much time is left and what life brings next. Like I did modelling and thought what should I do next and then I decided “Acting” and then what’s bigger then acting, “Singing”. Eventually you say goodbye to modelling and focus on acting and singing. Right now my main focus is my acting because there are new projects coming up and I’m really excited about it.
FHM: Any message for your fans and aspiring models, singers or actors?
RAJ: I would like to give an advice to the youth that something that I follow a lot. Be positive, be competitive. Don’t look at others. Look at where you want to be, focus on what you want to do and where you want to go rather than focusing on other people. Just work hard. Even if you have been bashed so many times. You have to get up, keep struggling and eventually you will get there because stars in this world today work so hard that’s the only way you can work hard.
