International supermodel Asif Azim reveals himself in an interview with Nisha Ali
Photos: Abu Naser
From a small village Amjhupi in Meherpur, to establishing himself in the modeling haven of Mumbai, Asif Azim has indeed made it big. However, being one of the top ten male super models in the world isn’t just about sharp looks, chiseled jawlines and ripped bodies. It requires much more than that to survive and grow in a competitive industry like modeling, reveals Asif Azim.
A graduate in Economics from Dhaka University, Asif had to initially face his father’s disapproval who didn’t want him to take up modeling as a career.
But that never stopped him from dreaming big. Eventually being handpicked by outstanding designers like Bibi Russell to Sabyasachi Mukherjee and Manish Malhotra, made him believe in himself more. He has walked on the ramps of fashion weeks of Spain, Sydney and Dubai to name a few and in countless others in Mumbai, where he’s been residing for more than a decade. Last month, he walked the ramp in Bangladesh after nine long years to endorse the new fashion brand Sailor.
What made you join a new Sailor after endorsing Cats Eye for several years?
I dream for a better future for my country. I want the world to know Bangladesh not only as a readymade garment exports, but also as a fashion label, fusing our unique culture and rich heritage with international looks. Epyllion Group has had twenty years of experience in RMG before venturing into fashion retail with Sailor. I believe that Sailor has the strength and capacity to become a household name in Bangladesh and surely in the global fashion scene. To transform my dream into reality, I chose to endorse Sailor. I had great experience working with sailor so far and I wish to embark on an epic journey and forge stronger ties with my home country Bangladesh.
You have walked the ramp last month at the launch program of Sailor. How was it walking the ramp in Bangladesh after nine years? How different is it from India?
It’s always a delight to return to where you started out from and be surrounded by the people you love. Honestly, the thought of walking on the ramp in Bangladesh after nine years did make me a tad bit nervous. But the crowd was so welcoming that I was absolutely thrilled. As a fashion industry, I believe we have come really far from where we began ten years ago. If we continue to give our efforts and support each other, we can rise and stand shoulder to shoulder with the Indian fashion industry in the near future.
When endorsing Sailor, you are saying it represents your personal taste and style. How does it actually represent your taste?
In a way, every man is a sailor, facing ups and downs but still managing to rise against the odds and stand strong. The label’s theme is ‘Sailing life’ and is intended to inspire people to be prepared for any challenge in life, just like a sailor, which is where I resonate with the brand. As a brand, it instills self-confidence in the people who wear it. They have luxurious, formal attires, casual wear as well as outfits representing our heritage. The fabrics used are of premium quality and the cuts of the outfits are trendy, which sets the brand apart. I like wearing brands which provide me with comfort and confidence, which is something that Sailor does.
What was it like to meet the superstar Salman Khan?
Salman bhai is like an elder brother to me. He is an honest, genuine human being and always brings out the best in people.
You adopted eleven children? How did you take on such a huge responsibility?
I’d like to skip that. I believe one should do their good deeds in private, and not for publicity or to show others. I hope Almighty gives me the capacity to do much more for my country and mankind in general.
What are the biggest lessons you have learnt from Big Boss?
Big Boss is a reality game show where various celebrities have to live under one roof and adapt to each other’s company and the interactions are shown on television. The participants are always plotting in order to win. I tried to make them understand that they shouldn’t forget what they have gained throughout their lives, but I couldn’t change their mindset or actions. There were fourteen of them and none of them could change me. If I look back, one of the biggest lessons I learnt is, it definitely made me know myself better and enabled me to stay true to my principles. Overall, Big Boss has given me greater exposure and I am grateful for that.
How difficult is it for someone to establish himself in Bollywood? Have you made any progress in terms of your acting career?
I think in order to be a great model; you need to be an actor to some extent. No matter how you are feeling, or what’s going on in your life, you have to carry yourself in a certain way in front of the camera. I won’t say it’s easy, but I believe, if you have talent and true passion for anything, it may take time but you’ll reach there. There are potential projects in the pipeline which are yet to be announced.
What kind of barriers have you faced in the modeling or acting industry? How do you work your way out of it?
Every model/actor has to face that, but for me the challenge has been bigger because I had to learn foreign languages like Hindi and Urdu and I am still working on them. Acceptance is also not easy there. Initially a few models wanted to harm me because I was an outsider and within a short time, I was able to carve a name for myself.
When you live away from home, there is a certain type of responsibility that you feel. You need to be your best when representing your country. I feel happy when people say my name. they don’t just say “Asif Azim” but they say “Asif Azim from Bangladesh.” Every industry has its own barriers. Hard work and dedication to my goal is how I work my way out of setbacks.
Do you have any big plans for the glamour industry in Bangladesh?
I wish to add more to the glamour industry here. I believe Bangladesh is a powerhouse of talents, even for models, but what they lack is proper grooming. I wish to create a platform here like Mr/Miss Bangladesh, following international standards, so that the winners can eventually attend global contests like Mr/Miss Universe. I also want to organise fashion weeks to give greater exposure to local designers and raise the bar in the fashion industry here.
Is there any cause or issue that is significant to you?
Depression, mental health and medical treatment. There are treatments for physical illnesses but when it comes to mental illness, people shy away from it. Instead of helping those who suffer from it, they add to the sufferings by stigmatising them. Greater awareness must be created regarding mental health.
Anything you want to share with our readers?
No matter how big a tree becomes, it must remember its roots. Always remember and respect your roots.
Looks fade away, all that remain are the good deeds we do and how we are as human beings. I take every job as my last job and try to give my best, in case I don’t get the opportunity to do the next one.
Things we don’t know about Asif Azim
Are you ever shy in front of the camera?
Not really, but it’s difficult to be your true self in front of the camera.
How do you work under pressure?
I try to stay as calm as I can to get the job done. Pressure helps to get the best out of me.
What’s the toughest thing about being a model?
You always need to take care of yourself: your physique and your mental health.
If you could eat only one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Any meal cooked by my mother, particularly Hilsha curry with rice.
What’s the best compliment you have ever received?
To be the way I am and to never change myself.