This week, let’s take a look at this dapper actor’s likes and dislikes…
you & me
Saim Ali is an internationally acclaimed actor, model and an influencer. Born and brought up in Lahore, Saim started his career as a fashion designer. However, he soon realised that designing was not his cup of tea and he switched to acting, which was his passion. “I never wanted to get into fashion designing. Choosing fashion designing was something that I had to pick on the insistence of my mother Farah Gillani, who was a fashion designer herself. Though I was doing great as a fashion designer, I was not happy with myself and decided to pursue acting which was my real talent,” explains Saim.
He started his career in acting with drama serial ‘Heer’ for Geo TV in 2015. Since launching his acting career, Saim has worked in many dramas. Some of his notable dramas include ‘Rashk’ (2018), ‘Pakeeza Phuppo’ (2019), ‘Jhooti’ (2020) and ‘Bichoo’ (2022). Saim has also showed his acting skills in movies including ‘Zehar-e-Ishq’ (2015), ‘Ishq Positive’ (2016), ‘Hijrat’ (2016) and ‘Sirf Tum Hi To Ho’ (2019). It’s interesting to note that Saim is the first Pakistani who did a Malaysian film and theatre in Malaysia and got massive recognition there too. He also hosted several morning shows, award shows and events like IPP Awards in London and Oslo.
Now based in Dubai, Saim has established himself as a credible influencer and model. According to a magazine report, “Not many male actors/models can carry fashion with this class and grace. And it is quite rare that we see male influencers don fashion looks that exude grace and elegance simultaneously.” This week, let’s take a look at this dapper actor’s likes and dislikes…
What are your most memorable drama serials to-date?
‘Jhooti’, ‘Bichoo’, ‘Heer’, ‘Zakham’ and ‘Barfi Laddu’.
Your favourite international labels?
Saint Laurent, Zimmerman, Zara, Massimo Dutti, Christian Dior and Valentino.
What do you usually wear in daily life?
Anything loose fit and neutrals. But to be honest, I can wear anything or any brand, it has to look nice on me.
What is your favourite thing in your closet right now?
All my bags. I love carrying bags.
Your most valuable possession?
My family and the time that I get to spend with them.
Are you a shopaholic?
YES, in capital letters.
What are the best purchases you’ve ever made?
The bags that I got just recently from Prague by Hermes and Saint Laurent. Plus, my Loro Piana Summer Walk Loafers with my Dior glasses.
What’s your annoying habit?
I get fed up by things or places very quickly.
What is your biggest fear?
Losing my loved ones.
You are afraid of...
Snakes and lizards.
What bores you the most?
Fake conversations.
You are crazy about…
Bollywood music, travelling, long journeys, coffee and taking pictures.
What are your healthy habits?
Not doing late nights, no alcohol or any drugs consumption, try to eat healthy and keep up with my gym routine.
What is fashion to you?
Oh, I live for it and as you know I have won the most wanted fashion influencer UAE 3 times, says it all.
How do you define glamour?
For me, less is more, always minimal. Being classy is what matters the most for me.
Your favourite holiday destination?
London, it is. Then Prague and Switzerland, so mostly within Europe.
What’s the last thing you bought?
A YSL bag.
What books are on your bedside table?
I am not an avid reader.
You get super uncomfortable when…
I can’t stand bad body odour, I just run from that company ASAP.
Last picture you took?
Of my beverage, facing the plane window showing where the plane is cruising through, in the most aesthetic way possible.
First pay cheque?
Oh, long time back of a theatre performance and I gave it to my mom.
You are extremely possessive about…
My mother.
First thing you do when you wake up in the morning?
Do some facial exercises and say Alhumdulilah for everything.
How do you unwind?
Coffee at a nice place helps me unwind the most.
When you are not working, you are usually…
Making plans to go out with friends or family for coffee.
If you had access to a time machine, which era would you revisit?
Either my childhood self or I would love to go back in time to the days of Kings and Queens, during the Tudor era. I’d want to live during King Henry VIII’s reign, as his best friend or close confidant, to experience it all firsthand.
The most important relationship lesson I have learnt so far…
Do not judge. Life is way better alone than keeping yourself in a toxic relationship.
Would you like to pursue acting in future too?
Yes, acting is my first love. I would like to do more challenging roles in future.
Describe Saim Ali in three words…
Creative, fun and a little bit emotional.
