Becoming an actor happens to be the ultimate goal for many models. Whether it’s for more fame, money or simply for the love of acting, many models in the past have made the jump from the runway to the small screen while some even bagged meaty roles in movies, but out of the many hopefuls only a few have been successful as both models and as actors.
We list down 5 such supermodels that not only were hot favourites in their modelling heydays but have also established themselves as a prominent face on TV.
Mikaal Zulfiqar
Debuting in 2013 with the drama Saiqa opposite Sarwat Gillani, Mikaal has proven himself as a versatile actor over the years and not just another model trying to become an actor. Being a supermodel of his time, Mikaal has since established himself as one of the very few to achieve similar success as an actor with several blockbuster projects to his credit.
The Sanu Tere Naal Pyar Hogaya boy has had critics singing praises for him while also starring in several commercially successful projects .He has also bagged numerous nominations and awards as the best actor at multiple occasions. Some of his most successful projects include Pani Jaisa Pyar, Jal Pari, Sheher-e-Zaat, Durr-e-Shehwar, Muhabbat Subh Ka Sitara, Diyar-e-Dil, Sang-e-Marmar, Alif, Allah aur Insan, Khasara and most recently Ruswai.
Sunita Marshall
A supermodel of her time, Sunita stunned in every photoshoot and slayed the runway each time she walked. The dusky beauty leapt into the world of acting first in 2009 with a Ramadan special series Tum Jo Miley on Hum TV opposite Fahad Mustafa.
She attained mainstream fame with the superhit drama Qaid-e-Tanhai and later played Shahzmeen in Mera Saaien; the latter making her a TV sensation. She reprised her role in the sequel to the drama featuring a new cast led by Fahad Mustafa and Ayeza Khan. Sunita has since been seen in several series like Sitamgar, Naimat and Khalish, and is also spotted on the ramp often.
Emmad Irfani
It should come as no surprise that Emmad was a leading male model of his time. While his Greek god like good looks made him a hit on the fashion scene, he has also made his mark on the small screen. His first TV stint came in 2013 with the drama Aasmnon Pe Likha, also starring Sajal Aly followed by projects like Ranjish Hi Sahi and Sehra Main Safar.
Emmad tasted his first major success in 2015 with the drama Saya-e-Dewar Bhi Nahi where he essayed a negative character. He was recently seen in the drama Cheekh on Ary Digital in the character of Shayan opposite Saba Qamar. The role won him praises all over and has since made him a household name.
Iffat Omar
The supermodel culture was at its peak in the 90s with girls like Iffat Omar at the top of their game. Featuring in the music video of Junoon’s Yaar Bina, the model grabbed international attention and became a household name with her stint in the sitcom Family Front in the late nineties.
Iffat returned to the small screen in 2013 with Geo Tv’s Chemistry and then appeared in several dramas before bagging the lead in Muhabbat Aag Si. Her double-shaded character of Aapa Jee won her critical acclaim and also the Hum TV award for Best Actress. She was more recently seen in the family drama Aangan, Noorul Ain and Haiwan while also enjoying a successful run as a talk show host.
Zainab Quyyum
Famously known as ZQ, the award winning model has become famous for her comic and negative characters on TV and happens to be one of the busiest actors in the country.
The 90s supermodel was first seen in the drama Riyasat in 2005 and later in Sarkar Sahab, Daddy and Mere Humdum Mere Dost before taking up comedy plays and character roles. She then went on to feature in dramas like Muqaddas, Mol and Mannat.
The year 2017 was a major success for ZQ, as she was seen in three hit dramas Yakeen ka Safar, Dilnawaz and Aangan. Playing the role of Aneela phupho in Aangan won her critical praise and love from the audience. She was recently seen in dramas Dil-e-Gumshuda and Deewar-e-Shab while she also played the titular lead in ARY Digital’s Pakeezah Phupho.
