US TALK
Suaan is a popular fashion model, lifestyle and fitness enthusiast. His on-screen career started when he joined Citrus Talent and worked in TVCs for various multinationals. He is also appreciated for his work with designers Humayun Alamgir, Noman Arfeen, Amina Yasmeen, Sameer Sain, and brands like Riwaj, Alkaram, Zivini, Warehouse, etc. Suaan is active on social media and keeps his audience engaged. When he isn’t strutting down a ramp or posing for shoots, he is found in the gym with dumbbells and is now pursuing fitness professionally.
How did you get into the fashion industry?
To pursue a career in fashion industry, I decided to join Citrus Talent which proved a professionally wise approach as it didn’t take me long to get my first TVC for Jazz. From that point on, offers began coming, but I didn't pursue many of those as I was determined to continue my studies to be able to apply in foreign universities.
How picky are you about brands you agree to endorse?
I turn down many offers no matter how hefty the amount I am being offered. If I don't understand their clothing or if don’t look good in those clothes, I decline the offer.
Biggest lesson learnt?
I realized when your passion becomes your profession, things get easier.
One piece of advice that changed your life's perspective?
"Allah se dosti karlo" (Be friends with Allah) came from a cab driver. He said "Sakhi bun jao. Kisi ko khali haat mat janay dou." (Be generous and never let anyone go empty-handed). This advice really moved me. Even if you smile and talk nicely to someone in need, it’s precious because it's the effort and the intention that counts.
How do you remain focused?
It feels great when I'm being called a professional artist, an artist who arrives on the sets, holding a bag of essential things to save the crew from hassles. They appreciate that I know how to do makeup and style myself.
But, above all, much of the applause comes for my work ethics. I stay focused at work unlike others who focus more on socializing, exchanging numbers with pretty girls on the sets rather than the work itself. I just come to the set, get the shoot done and leave.
How different is the fitness industry from other areas?
Fitness world is tough where we aren’t playing tiddlywinks; injuries are a part of this game but that never stopped me from following my intense regime. It’s important to have a solid checklist of what not to do.
Are people in the fitness industry really serious about their health goals?
It’s a bizarre dichotomy as many of us take fitness as a phase of life instead of making it a way of life. A great physique doesn’t happen overnight; you’ve got to go through pain.
Youngsters get swayed by models strutting around with six-pack abs and want a shortcut to attain that. But what they should actually be seeing is how those celebs prepare to be like that and maintain it that way.
Are cheat meals acceptable?
Cheat meals are fun after a crazy workout! Or on weekends you can have a nice cheat day. On my social media feeds, I try to document my excitement for such meals.
Do we really get what we crave for?
There is a rule in this world: if you run after something, it will run away from you. I believe if you stop running after something, it will come to you automatically.
While working out how do you fuel your body to keep your metabolism up?
I usually take pre-workout supplements to fuel my body, and a few sips of water for hydration during the workout.
What is the most effective exercise?
Everything is effective as long as your body feels challenged. It varies from person to person but of course stair-climbing burns more calories in a small chunk of time.
Today I know how hard work can bring success. Workouts are supposed to be tough and weights are meant to be heavy. It helps you to deal with defeat and failure and injuries. The pain is temporary but the pride is forever.