Fawad adds celebrity quotient to DFL show

The two-day extravaganza celebrates Asian fashion and showcases works of leading designers from Pakistan, Qatar and India. By Umer NangianaI have received a lot of love from the people of Pakistan and India, and I intend to continue working for the entertainment industry in both the countries. Qatar is a happening place and I am glad to be back. This was said by Fawad Khan, the Pakistani actor and national heartthrob, who is here for International Fashion Festival (IFF) 2015 organised by Designers’ Fashion Lounge (DFL) Doha. The festival kicked off last evening with a fashion show featuring top designers from Pakistan, India and Qatar. Fawad recently won the FilmFare Award for Best Actor Debut for his Bollywood film Khoobsurat. Speaking to journalists at the pre-IFF launch press conference at Royal Plaza, Fawad hinted that he has some exciting projects up his sleeve. However, he stopped short of revealing any details.  “I know there have been a lot of rumours (about his new film projects in Bollywood) and hopefully they will take some shape by the end of this month. There are some good projects under discussion and I am very much excited about them,” said Khan, adding that he was looking to divide his work 50/50 between India and Pakistan. Responding to a question, the Lahore-based Pakistani artiste said it would be unfair to call him a Bollywood actor. “I think it will be unfair to say I am a Bollywood actor. I have just made my debut there. The people of India, however, are very welcoming. I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience of working there and would like to work there in future as well,” said the multi-talented artiste.At the same time, he wished that Pakistan’s film industry witnesses a grand revival and that he would love to play his part in it. He thanked Pakistan Television (PTV) in particular and the TV industry in general for acknowledging his talent and giving him opportunities to prove his mettle in acting.Fawad has been a lead vocalist for a Pakistani music band EP before rising to fame with his performance in HUM TV’s drama serial Humsafar, which was recently broadcast in India by a satellite channel and was well received there too. He is one of the few Pakistani artistes who enjoy a large fan base on both sides of the border. The actor stressed on the need for further strengthening of relations between the people, and the entertainment industries in particular, of the two countries. Receiving compliments from a large number of his fans present at the occasion, Fawad told them it was his second visit to Doha. He had come with his music band some 10 years ago, he said. “Doha has developed a lot and is growing at a very fast pace. Qatar is a very happening place with all the film festivals and other activities and I am glad to be here.” Sana Salman, CEO of DFL, while introducing the IFF team members and partners, told journalists that an array of designers from India, Pakistan and Qatar would showcase their products at the two-day fashion festival ending today. The show will feature a red carpet followed by the fashion show. Some of the designer outlets from Qatar are Rivaage, Jo La Mode, Sara Buhindi, Nora Alahajri, Noblesse Couture, Me La Mode, Al dabi, Labra Boutique, Jovrn and Kjay.The designers from Pakistan and India include Asim Jofa, Umar Sayeed, Goal by Fozia Aman, Rana Noman, Hamna Amir, Rani Emaan, Sadaf Amir, Adnan Pardesy, Shazia’s bridal gallery, Umsha, Brahtti and Waseem Noor. “Our main motive is to promote Asian fashion industry in Qatar’s market and help the designers to explore this market, and to do this, by merging the talent of both Arabs and Asians to give the finest products to the buyers,” said Sana.DFL, she added, understands the importance of Asian fashion in Qatar market and the demands of local communities. It started with humble beginnings in 2010 from exhibitions but has grown over time as a brand name. “We have already planned two more fashion shows and exhibitions for the year before opening an Asian multi-brand store (DFL) in Doha. She welcomed the Qatari Business Women Association and Jawaher al-Kuwari, Executive Member of the Business Women Forum under the umbrella of Qatar Chamber, the founder and managing director of Jo La Mode Boutique as strategic partners. She also thanked Commercial Bank of Qatar to be the Diamond Sponsor of the event, Royal Plaza as Platinum Sponsor and Inter Group Shipping and Logistics as the Gold Sponsor for IFF. “We have a great team from Pakistan, the S&S event designers, Production 021 backstage team, savvy events PR partners, Naeemul Haq (choreographer), Trinity Modeling Agency Qatar and Pakistan’s top entertainment channel HUM TV,” added Sana. Fawad, alongside top models from Pakistan, Cybil Chaudary, Fouzia Aman and Rizwan Ali, walked the ramp during the fashion show held at Sheraton Hotel donning new designs by the participating fashion houses. Attended by a large number of people, IFF also had the support of Pakistan embassy in Qatar.