Hottie of the week: Abdul Mannan

His sharp looks and endearing personality are enough to woo his lady fans.

Status: Single

Born: Lahore, Pakistan

Birthday: 3rd January, 1981

Who is he?

Lo and behold! This week, our spotlight is on the model-actor Abdul Mannan, whose sharp looks and endearing personality are enough to woo his lady fans. Known as one of the leading male models in the country, Mannan is a man for all seasons. A go-getter, Mannan began modelling in 2005 and enjoys “boxing, swimming, playing chess and working out,” as he says. With a passion for exploring new avenues, he has also stepped foot in the world of acting. He will soon be showcasing his ‘tsunami’ of talent as Imran Khan in the upcoming film Kaptaan — The Making of a Legend, which is a biopic about the former cricketer and politician.

Why we love him

Not one to give up easily, Mannan overcame the distasteful criticism that he received earlier in his career. We admire his self-belief, which drives him to aim for the stars! “When I received a positive response from the public, my confidence got a boost. And day by day, my confidence increases,” he says. We commend him for having his feet on the ground in spite of a blooming career. He attributes his success to his mother. We appreciate a man who values those who helped him climb the ladder, even after he has reached the top. He is authentic and despises betrayal, jealousy and favouritism. Mannan tells us that his friends think he’s strange and difficult to understand. So, he’s mysterious. We like that!

What you didn’t know about him

Mannan is a total nature-lover! And he adores kids. With a rugged exterior and a gentle personality, he is a total knockout! If he wasn’t part of the entertainment industry, he would’ve been a businessman. His favourite holiday destinations include Cape Town, Neelum Valley and Naran. His idea of adventure involves visiting the Fairy Meadows, sitting in a chair lift or climbing high mountains. “I would love to go to K2 or Nanga Parbat. I always want to do something daring,” he says. His favourite food is gurr wale rice with desi ghee, which he can also cook himself. His idea of an ideal woman is model-actor Syra Yousuf, whose smile, he says, is mesmerising. Mannan draws inspiration from Hollywood’s most macho men, viz. Al Pacino, Denzel Washington, Nicolas Cage and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Hasta la vista, ladies!

Published in The Express Tribune, Ms T, December 8^th, 2013.