To him, the future remains an intriguing mystery, always just out of reach, and he prefers to savour the present rather than getting bogged down in overthinking....
US TALK
Ahmed Faizan took his first steps into the showbiz world with a ramp walk at Islamabad Fashion Show back in 2017. From then on, offers for TV commercials started pouring in thick and fast. However, he considers 2022 his breakthrough year, thanks to hosting a Ramazan transmission that really solidified his standing in the industry. Before he knew it, he was honoured to step into the shoes of a sports analyst for major events like the World Cup, PSL, and the SPL cricket league. Talk about hitting the jackpot! All the while, he juggled his modelling career, scoring gigs with top brands along the way.
Looking back, Ahmed fondly recalls his school days as a quiet kid who found the glitter and glamour of the showbiz lifestyle simply irresistible. It felt like a cut above the rest, drawing him in with its enchanting allure. After earning his business administration degree from Punjab University in Lahore, he decided to go with the flow rather than meticulously planning every step. To him, the future remains an intriguing mystery, always just out of reach, and he prefers to savour the present rather than getting bogged down in overthinking.
Us: What do you chase after: fame, money, or success?
Ahmed Faizan: I don’t chase any of those. Fame, money, and success are largely out of our hands. It’s all about luck and hard work. I just focus on doing my job, and Alhamdulillah, everything else falls into place.
Us: How did you carve out your niche in the industry?
AF: It’s all about experience and hard work. Progress comes with putting in the grind. Keep working hard, and the rest is in Allah’s hands. And never forget your roots; faith is the foundation.
Us: With all the work coming your way, how do you maintain your energy level?
AF: I hit the gym, play sports, and, most importantly, I try to maintain a balanced diet. I steer clear of junk food and soda – it’s all about keeping it healthy.
Us: What hurdles did you face when you first jumped into the industry?
AF: Look, hurdles and challenges are part and parcel of life. They’ll stick around as long as you have goals. I take them in stride; facing challenges is just par for the course.
Us: Do you think good looks and connections make things easier?
AF: Good looks can definitely open doors and catch people’s eyes, but after that, it’s all about proving you’ve got the chops to act or speak. If you can’t back it, it’s game over.
Us: Are there any shady elements in the industry? How do you deal with them?
AF: Honestly not in my experience, and if there are, I haven’t encountered them. I keep my nose clean, focus on my work, and steer clear of personal dramas.
Us: How do you prepare for hosting a specific programme?
AF: I start by digging into the subject matter. I study the background of the event to give my own spin on the story. I view it as a challenge and keep my eyes on the prize.
Us: Do you plan to design any programmes for the media? Any ideas?
AF: I’ve got big dreams! I want to throw some love towards underfunded sports beyond cricket. Sadly, cricket hogs all the resources. Plus, I’d like to create programmes that raise funds for people who struggle to put food on the table or have a roof over their heads.
Us: How do you handle self-doubt?
AF: If you let self-doubt creep in, you’re bound to stall. You’ve got to hit the ground running. When you equip yourself, confidence and faith in your abilities follow.
Us: What role has social media played in your journey?
AF: Social media is a game changer. These days, people scroll through social feeds more than they watch TV. If you want to groom yourself, having well-managed content on social media is the key. Personally, I don’t like to put my life on display. I stick to sharing my professional work.
My date of birth and zodiac sign are
September 25th, Libra.
The best thing about being a teenager was
You have friends. You worry less. You smile more.
The worst thing about being a teenager was
I never found anything bad in it. Teenage is the most beautiful age.
I was always listening to
Motivational videos.
My favourite actors were
Selena Gomez, Dakota Johnson and Tom Cruise.
My favourite singer was
Depends upon mood. At night I don’t listen to fast beats and throughout the day I enjoy fast music.
My favourite superhero was
I think being a son you always see your father as a superhero who, throughout the whole life, makes huge sacrifices to make you a superhero of your own life.
My favourite movie was
Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani
My closet was full of
Perfumes, diaries, and clothes.
I couldn’t stand
Hypocrisy.
My friends were
Not in this generation. I don’t think that you can consider anyone your friend in this era.
What used to hurt me the most was
No one can hurt me. I’m mentally so strong that I can handle any type of situation.
I wish I had known then
That materialistic things never give you happiness.
Relations with family were
Best relationship and the most loyal ones.
My favourite and least favourite subjects were
History and chemistry respectively.
My favourite food was
Greek yogurt with plenty of dry fruits and forest fruits, plus I love steaks.
My favourite hangout was
Usually I don’t hang out, but having coffee at the time of sunset and sunrise … I consider that the most beautiful time of my day.
My favourite sport was
I like badminton and football.