In a short span of time, he has worked for a number of designers and brands, like Shahzeb Saeed, Deepak & Fahad, Markhor, Warehouse, Ausaf, and Unofficial Clothing, and has done a television commercial for Pepsi....
US TALK
When Dannial Hanif made his foray into showbiz, the industry clamoured to figure out just who the striking newcomer was. Turns out he’s a fitness freak by default and an architect by profession.
With arresting features, a chiselled physique, and a face that is almost supernaturally photogenic, Dannial has done his bachelor’s in architecture from Sir Syed College and now aims to go to Italy to get his master’s degree. As a model, his journey kicked off a few years back when he started uploading his pictures and fitness videos on Instagram and Facebook and offers from fashion photographers, coordinators, and designers started coming quickly. In a short span of time, he has worked for a number of designers and brands, like Shahzeb Saeed, Deepak & Fahad, Markhor, Warehouse, Ausaf, and Unofficial Clothing, and has done a television commercial for Pepsi.
What does success mean to you?
Success is the contentment that you feel after the fulfilment of your responsibilities.
What is something you learned early in your career which helped you become a better model?
Gym, my fitness regimen, and positivity.
What is the most challenging thing about this career?
Fashion is a very competitive field.
Did you get any formal education for this career? If not, then how did you learn the craft of modelling?
I am a good observer and I have learnt things through experience that I have [gathered] during the process.
Who are your role models?
In fashion modelling, Abbas Jafri and Nadia Hussain have always inspired me.
From all your projects so far, which was the most meaningful to you, and why?
My Pepsi commercial which gave me a chance to showcase my dancing skills.
Do you believe good looks and connections are the only things that make a star?
To carve your own niche, you need to have talent, but good looks give you a good kick and connections are a shortcut to opportunities.
How has social media changed things for you?
Social media is the pulse of the contemporary scene, and it gives brands and designers better and quick access to approach models straight up.
How do you deal with self-doubt?
I won’t deny that self-doubt doesn’t haunt me, but I believe in moving on.
Three pieces of advice for aspiring models?
Never compromise on fitness, watch your diet, and stay focused.
Date of birth
18th May.
The best thing about being a teenager was
Girls.
The worst thing about being a teenager was
Having a big wishlist with [not enough] pocket money.
I was always listening to
Ali Zafar.
My favourite actor was
Kubra Khan.
My favourite singer was
Strings.
My favourite superhero was
Spider-Man.
My favourite movie was
The Lords of the Rings [series].
My favourite book was
Magazines on health and fitness.
My closet was full of
Gym wear.
My favourite subject was
Physics.
My least favourite subject was
Social studies.
My friends were
Big jerks but now I have [a] really [nice] set of friends.
What used to hurt me the most was
Dishonesty and selfishness.
I wish I had known then
That never judge a book by its cover.
Relations with family were
Very genial.
I couldn’t stand
People who make chewing noise while eating.
My favourite food was
I am addicted to spicy desi food.
My favourite hangout was
Open-air cafes.
My favourite sport was
Table tennis.
Five things I couldn’t live
without were Gym, mobile, being with someone, money, and … mobile!
