Meet Viraf Pheroz Patel, who denounces the world of modeling after a flourishing catwalking career and perfectly fits in the shoes of an actor, anchor, DJ and many more. Born on the 12th of June, 1980 this Gemini guy had dreams to achieve a lot of things but certainly not an actor or model. But as destiny had laid for him, he is here yet his creative quest and the sailor at his heart let him out on an unknown voyage at an early age of 20 and he is still meddling with his camera.
Viraf adds with a wink, “Hmmm… Interesting! Is probably what girls say at the first instance. I have this tendency to keep them guessing or speculating. May be it’s my mechanism of getting to know them while they are making judgments about me or maybe it’s just a Gemini trait!” So girls keep guessing and speculating even more
Family and Academics…
Born and brought up in a Parsi colony based in Pune – I couldn’t have asked for more! I have grown up amongst fine food, people, friends, loving parents and two very supportive brothers, one is Minocher 12 years senior to me and the other, Farhad who is 9 years senior to me – yes so I am the kid brother. Studied in a Parsi school too called Sardar Dastur Schools.
Parent’s reaction to your choice of modeling as a career…
Worried initially but my brothers played a major role in pacifying them and supporting me with the move of joining modeling after spending 5 years in the merchant navy.
First modeling assignment…
My first amateurish assignment was for a local brand from Pune called threadz t- shirts. Sometime in 2003. Got paid 2500 for the shoot as I was a newcomer. My first professional engagement in Advertising, after winning the title was for Panatloons outdoor campaign in april 2005 followed and in ramp was Kingfisher fashion awards 2005- walked for Prasad Bidapa.
Greatest achievement till date…
Title of Grasim Mr. India in 2005 – simply because it made my parents proud of me & happy nothing else.
Idea of an ideal date
Moi playing fab cook, great listener, soft music and a talented coffee maker to top it all off – It can’t fail ?
When not modeling what are you most likely to be found doing…
I am indulging my creative senses in various avenues such as Photography, writing, learning a musical instrument et al.
Five essentials for a model to climb the ladder of success…
To understand and develop a sense of :-
• Professionalism – for people to enjoy working with you
• Grooming – for people to tolerate you at close quarters
• Holistic fitness – (yoga, swimming, gym, healthy diet) to not look like a stiff pack of muscles who can’t emote
• Character & grit – to introspect and take decisions out of choice and not lack of awareness
• Psychological & emotional strength – to deal with rejection, trying & tempting situations.
Views on Indian vs. Western models…
Indian models such as Diana Penty have managed to break through, but there’s no doubt that Indian models are not part of mainstream modeling abroad. It will take a few years before that can happen. A major reason for even this slight change is because of the large diaspora, and in the years to come, this is bound to increase.
The most touching moment of your life…
Holding my new born nephew Parvez for the first time when i 16 !!
Quick snippets
FAVORITE FOOD: Bland stirs fry stuff
FAVORITE DESIGNER: Varun Bahl, Narendra Kumar Ahmed
FAVORITE PERFUME: Polo sport and CK electric and Issey Miyake … yes I am fond of perfumes
FAVORITE LINGERIE BRAND: Victoria Secrets – for their amazing shows every year
FAVORITE HOLIDAY DESTINATION: Any of those uncrowded islands off Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines where I can go diving and vegetate on the beach for hours and go diving again.
FAVOURITE MUSIC: Everything but heavy metal
YOUR GREATEST FEAR: Hair loss & not understanding the generations after me!
