US TALK
Photography by Imran Khan
Up-and-coming model Dayan Khan is exactly what the fashion industry has been on the hunt for, and he’s ready to slay! With appearances in advertisements for several big-name multinational brands in just a couple of years, he is no longer that skater kid tagging walls and chilling with a wild crew; he has upped his game, focusing hard on his career and studies.
His modelling career kicked off in 2021 when he came under the wing of his father’s friend, who helped him improve his performance. He eventually landed auditions at Citrus Talent and showed everyone he was ready for take-off. His big break came with a Samsung mobile ad, and offers started rolling in nonstop. He soon became the solo lead for brands like Kurkure, Telenor, Cadbury Bubbly, Sting, and more.
Dayan is currently grinding through a degree in accounting and finance at IBA. On top of his studies, he’s a dedicated powerlifter, snagging third place in the Sindh Regional Championship and taking home the title at the IBA Sports Fest Powerlifting Competition for the second year in a row, showing that he’s all about smashing goals with style. He is also planning to take the ACCA exam and chase that ACF qualification. And like any other young hustler these days, he’s diving into online trading.
During his downtime, you’ll catch him cruising around or chilling with his crew. And that's not all – Dayan is set to dive into acting soon, with a major project from a top-notch production house on the horizon. Stay tuned for this rising star!
Us: What does success mean to you?
Dayan Khan: Honestly, success for me is just not relying on my family, and simply vibing without stress; being able to live independently, owning my own crib.
Us: What's something you learned early on in life?
DK: I learned that we have to keep it pro, no matter where we are. Bad stuff might go down, but we have to handle it like champs and not lose our cool.
Us: What’s the biggest challenge of being a fashion model?
DK: The grind, for sure. It’s all about endurance, stamina, and managing time astutely.
Us: How do you prep for a modelling shoot?
DK: I listen to the director, check out similar ads for inspo, and hype myself up in the mirror. Self-motivation is the way to go.
Us: Which project has meant the most to you?
DK: Definitely the Sting ad. It was shot in Bangkok. The people there were amazing, and the management and team were just top-notch. The whole experience was off the charts.
Us: Do you think good looks and connections are all you need?
DK: For sure, looks matter in modelling. But at the end of the day, personality and body language play a huge role too. Not every pretty face can slay the runway.
Us: How has social media changed the game for you?
DK: Social media has been a game changer. I’ve met awesome people, learned a ton, and built great friendships.
Us: How do you tackle self-doubt?
DK: Self-doubt – nah, it’s not that deep. I just brush it off, talk myself through it. It’s really about you versus you. I believe in myself, know my limits, so I gauge it accordingly. Doubts happen for a reason, but I keep it in check.
Us: What would you like to share with new models entering the field?
DK: Don’t come in thinking everyone’s going to have your back. No one’s going to care who you are; it’s all about the grind. You’ll wait around for hours, and when they call you, it’s just business. But once you start getting recognized, the big ads will come, and then you’ll earn respect. So trust the process. Modelling isn’t as easy as it looks. Just keep pushing and, Insha'Allah, you’ll make it.
My date of birth is
June 18th, Gemini vibes.
The best thing about being a teenager was
[Being] carefree. Besides, ever since I started modelling, I’m making my own cash, so the feeling of not being depending on my dad is a different vibe.
The worst thing about being a teenager was
Sometimes you understand things way too late.
I loved listening to
I’m always in my head, just vibing with my thoughts.
My favourite actors were
Kevin Hart, Dwayne Johnson, and Travis Scott.
My favourite superhero was
Batman.
My go-to movie was
Interstellar; it's a classic.
My closet was full of
Sneakers and clothes.
I wish I had known then
The value of self-love.
My relationship with my family was
Chill and balanced.
My most and least favourite subjects were
I love maths but can’t stand physics.
My favourite hangout spot and food was
Caffe Praha for the vibes, and beef steak is my jam.
I liked girls who have
Short hair, no bossy vibes, and someone who can take a joke.
My favourite sports were
Football and MMA all the way.
