His journey wasn't all smooth sailing; his father gave him a good talking to, and his mom was none too pleased about his showbiz aspirations. But passion is a powerful driver!
US TALK
Photography by Khawar Riaz
Standing tall at 6'1", Talha Hussain is swiftly becoming a raging sensation, blending good looks with boyish charm and a laidback vibe. Hailing from Peshawar, he comes from a family that doesn’t exactly roll out the red carpet for the showbiz world. He initially took the silent approach, working behind the scenes until he could finally showcase his craft to his family, proving that this gig is more than just a pastime – it’s a legitimate profession.
His journey wasn't all smooth sailing; his father gave him a good talking to, and his mom was none too pleased about his showbiz aspirations. But passion is a powerful driver!
He kicked off his modelling career with a shoot for Nauman Arfeen, followed by gigs for brands like J., Maria B, and Bespoke. Under the mentorship of Khawar Riaz, Talha has soaked in tons of knowledge, from the importance of a good diet to sticking to a solid fitness routine. When he started working with Khawar Riaz, he weighed in at 85 kg, so the first order of business was a fitness plan to trim down and sculpt those muscles. After a month of strict dieting and hitting the gym, he was well on his way!
Currently, he is juggling a B.S. in Computer Science at Peshawar University and working as a certified hacker, defending organizations from cyber threats and ensuring their online security. He opted for the hacking route because he’s always been keen to venture off the beaten path.
So there you have it! Talha is definitely one to watch in the fashion world, blending his tech skills with charm and an unwavering passion. Keep an eye on this rising star!
Us: What do you chase after: fame, money, or success?
Talha Hussain: My answer would be success!! Because at the end of the day, I want to build a name for myself while ensuring I’m professionally the best.
Us: How did you carve out your niche in the industry?
TH: A buddy of mine who was in the modelling scene tipped me off that a brand was on the lookout for new faces. They couldn’t make it happen, but the photographer caught a glimpse of my pics and passed them on to ace photographer Khawar Riaz. He saw potential in me and believed that with the right grooming, I could stand shoulder to shoulder with the best male models.
Us: With all the work coming your way, how do you keep it fresh?
TH: The secret to staying ahead of the game is versatility. I’m all about proving that through my diverse work. Now that I’m in the thick of it, I’m not leaving any stone unturned to showcase my skills as a model.
Us: What hurdles did you face when you first jumped into the industry?
TH: I got a lot of compliments for my looks, but deep down, I felt I wasn’t very photogenic. I used to be super camera shy; that was a big challenge for me. Thankfully, under Sir Khawar Riaz's mentorship, I managed to shake off those insecurities.
Us: Do you think good looks and connections make a star?
TH: Absolutely! Those factors play a huge role. Networking is key in this game. You have to be sharp minded to leverage both good looks and connections. But don’t forget, talent is what keeps the spotlight shining.
Us: How are you prepping to be the next fashion industry sensation?
TH: I’m always staying up to speed with the latest trends. I make it a point to notice what’s hot and what’s not, and I adapt accordingly.
Us: Which characters inspire you?
TH: I look up to the legendary character Tony Stark, a.k.a. Iron Man, Marvel superhero and the son of industrialist Howard Stark. He grew up a tech genius. His brilliance and drive are definitely things I admire.
Us: How do you handle self-doubt?
TH: I’ve always had faith in myself and refuse to let negative thoughts hold me back.
Us: What role has social media played in your journey?
TH: While it hasn’t drastically changed my life, I believe in using social media positively. It’s all about making sure you keep it real and avoid getting caught up in the noise.
My zodiac sign is
I'm a Scorpio, born on October 22nd.
The best thing about being a teenager was
Life was carefree and full of possibilities – no heavy burdens, just living in the moment and chasing dreams.
The worst thing about being a teenager was
It wasn't all sunshine and rainbows. It often felt like everyone around me had a checklist of dictations and orders for my life, which could be pretty stifling.
My friends were
Loyal and sincere. They were the real deal – always had my back, no matter what.
My favourite actors were
When it comes to my favourite actors, I'm all about Keanu Reeves and Dwayne Johnson and the phenomenal South Korean-American actor Ma Dong-seok. I also admire Michael Jai White, a brilliant actor and martial artist renowned for being the first Black American to portray a major comic book superhero as Al Simmons. Truly a talented bunch!
What hurt me the most was
What really stung at the time was when I couldn’t get the permissions I needed from the elders for things I was eager to dive into. It felt like bila waja ki roktok [unnecessary restrictions].
I wish I had known then that
If only I had a better perspective! I wish I had known how to see things more realistically and rationally back then. It could have saved me a lot of heartache.
The mentor I always turned to was
I relied heavily on Sir Khawar Riaz; he was my pillar of strength, guiding me through thick and thin.
My favourite and least favourite subjects were
I absolutely loved math and chemistry! On the flip side, Pakistan studies never quite did it for me.
My favourite movie over time has been
One movie that really stood out for me is Hercules. It’s a classic that never gets old!
My favourite sport was
When it comes to staying active, I’m all in for football, hitting the gym, and focusing on fitness. Gotta keep the blood pumping!
My favourite hangout spot was
You’ll most likely find me at my favourite coffee shop. There’s nothing like a cozy spot with good brews to kick back and relax!
