Courtesy: Tawsif Mahbub

I went to Oxford International School but like all my other friends I left after finishing Grade 10 and went to sit for my O'level exams as an independent candidate. And the same process repeated with my A'levels in Academia. My school life wasn't all that great! I was not a nerd, nor a popular kid, neither an oddity. But, more like 'the lost kid'. So, people would refer to me as 'the chocolate boy'. University was different though, results were much worse, but I guess it was because I was busy socializing with people. I made lots of friends during this time. Since, people thought I was decent looking, when I approached a girl, they would respond quite positively. So, popularity sparked from there as well!
The funniest aspect of my life is that, although, I am a university graduate, it comes as a shock to many because apparently people think I look like an 18 year old. But in reality, I am much older than that as I did my BSc in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from AIUB in 2011.
I don't really know how the idea of acting came about. I just wanted to stand out from the crowd. I wanted to be different from the average person one sees around. I always wanted to create my own hairstyle and although people might assume that I am trying to imitate the 'Beckham Cut', I would differ in opinion. Mine is slightly more customised! With time and tide the opportunity to shine came for me. In 2010, one of my friends introduced me to Adnan Al Rajeev, and I began doing TVCs under him. I have been involved with a lot of television commercials since then. In 2013, I started shooting for my first television fiction ‘@ 18’ under his direction. And it has been quite a success. I have received a lot of positive comments from everyone about it.
Apart from acting, right now I am busy doing music. I am the bassist of a rock band called 'The Manager' which is pretty active in the underground and university/college gigs, and we are recording for our debut album. We plan to be launched this year! I also have a groove/heavy metal band called 'Divine Sanity' and we are also recording. It has been a difficult six year run. I played for several bands before ending up with the right ones. My very first band formed with my best friends and my brother, we called it ‘Veins’.
Honestly, I don't have any role model. I have adapted to the styles of many great or not so great men's teachings over time. But I have seen my father working day and night and have learnt how to work hard from him without losing hope. And I have acquired my mom's tolerance and patience which keeps me alive till the end.
I want everyone to know that it's important to be yourself. Having great friends is also an essential aspect of life. Knowing the right people at the right time is very crucial if you want to avoid a six year struggle. Don't go against your families, do what they want first, respect their decisions because they know what is best for you. Then go for your dreams.
I am an Electrical Engineer by degree and I did that for my parents. But now by profession I am an actor/musician/freelance organiser and instead of pushing me away from this they rather inspire me to go further with my passion.