Prince charming
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Bangalore's hot model Zulfiker Syed plays prince Khurram in Taj Mahal
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CHALLENGING Getting the Urdu diction right was no mean task for Zulfi Photo: Bhagya Prakash K.
If all that you hear about the ad world is anything to go by — the killing competition, vicious gossip... — you would wonder how Zulfiker Syed made it in this big bad world. He is soft-spoken, quiet, and yet, very hot on the ramp and sizzling in ads. Remember the innerwear ad in which he gets into a women's loo and gets out, not bashed up, but kissed all over?
Zulfi may have won audiences, designers and choreographers over by what were called his "chocolate boy" looks when he first burst on the modelling circuit a few years ago. But now, after establishing himself at the pinnacle of his profession, these same looks aren't exactly working in his favour as he struggles for a toe-hold in the parallel world of movies.
Zulfi, however, got a big break when Akbar Khan chose him for the role of prince Khurram (young Shahjahan) in his ambitious project, Taj Mahal. Technically, this is not his debut since he acted in a disastrous called Pyaasa (where he was paired with ex-beauty queen Yukta Mookhey) and then in another forgettable film Chupke Se. But Taj Mahan will really be the big launch that will decide his future in films.
The story goes that Akbar Khan's wife, who was desperately looking for a face to suit the role, chanced upon Zulfi's picture on the Net.
The resemblance between Kabir Bedi (who plays the old Shahjahan) and him was unbelievable. "I got a call from Akbar's Khan's office and I was delighted," recalls Zulfi.
What followed wasn't easy, films being an "altogether different ball game" from that of modelling. He had to do much more than look good and getting the Urdu diction right was no joke. But Zulfi is happy that he pulled it off alright, with support from a "great director" and a very supportive crew. "Working with actors like Manisha Koirala has been great too," he adds.
The lad from Bangalore misses his family back in "the peaceful hometown", but "loves to keep himself busy" in Bombay too. "There is a world of difference in living alone and being with one's family. The first time I left home I felt extremely lost and miserable, but now I have got used to it and quite enjoy my freedom," says Zulfi. He has his own flat too and loves pottering around the kitchen. "After all, I have a bachelor's degree in Hotel Management!"
But what's most exciting in Zulfi's life at the moment is his next project, again an Akbar Khan film, but this time around a social theme.
B.S.
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Entertainment
Bangalore
Chennai and Tamil Nadu
Delhi
Hyderabad
Thiruvananthapuram
