Over the years the mini screen as well as the big one have seen a number of faces using modeling as a ladder to the ultimate world of glamour and glitz -- the film industry. Some click while many slip. Imran Khan aka Urooj is one such name who is all set to become a part of the filmi clan after graduating from the modelling world.

Unfortunately, his maiden stint with the motion picture failed to win him any reviews let alone the raving ones he wanted. What went wrong with Chalo Ishq Larain is a debate we have already delved into. For now it's time to have a chat with this newcomer who has high expectations of the Lollywood he is set to explore.

Some people make things happen while some wait for things to happen. The pompously named Imran Khan falls in the latter category. Lucky enough to have bumped into Khawar Riaz while he was still pursuing his computer science studies, Imran had to reject Khawer's offer to do a fashion show for him during their very first meeting.

"I had to refuse as I was busy with my studies. Later on I called him and he welcomed me. I still remember my first ever photo shoot, which was for a men's magazine."

Unlike many who insist that they have joined tinselville for the love of art, the model-turned-actor makes no bones about the fact that this field has more to offer than creative satisfaction. "It gives you fame, fortune, style, respect, everything. You name it.."

Just as well that he is, at the very outset, honest enough to appreciate the output that this industry generates rather than harping on about the input that he has contributed so far.

Unlike modelling, acting wasn't an accident. Imran admits that he always wanted to explore this most attractive branch of showbiz, even during his modelling days.

"I was just waiting for offers from good banners to come along. I was fortunate enough that the most sought after director of the industry, Shehzad Gul approached me."

So was it that the initial charm of modelling faded away or did he think that modelling didn't have much to offer? "As far as modeling is concerned I believe I have reached a point where I feel saturated now. I have got where I wanted to be after years of struggle.

I have featured in extensive and versatile campaigns, photo shoots, commercials and fashion shows for various designers. I don't think there's anything left in this field for me to achieve," he argues vehemently.

Considering that our entertainment industry never had the dearth of wannabee stars, specially those graduating from the modelling world, what makes him think that he will succeed where many others have failed? "Well, it all depends on individual talents, plus ability combined with confidence. I am a strong believer of faith as well.

I have complete faith in myself. If you are honest and sincere you can do justice to your work. I believe that with the passage of time I will improve and become a decent performer."

Having a fairly lavish rendezvous with modelling and now a decent debut in Chalo Ishq Larain featuring bold on his resume, Imran is in a better position to form a link between the two sides of the same coin -- modelling and acting, which are so much alike yet so different.

Imran agrees that both worlds are interrelated. "Modelling is basically carrying an attitude reflecting your personality and partially you act as well, whereas acting reflects a character in fiction portrayed in a realistic manner."

Regardless of the fate of Chalo Ishq Larain,an offer from the Gul banner could give any newcomer a reason to float on cloud nine. Imran admits that his reaction was no different from the rest when Shehzad Gul offered him the lead in CIl. "I was dumbfounded, excited and shocked all at the same time."

Since this was his first encounter with the big screen and those who costarred with him were already experienced enough to separate the right angles from the wrong, did he go through those wild goose bumps that all newcomers do. "I admit that I was the most inexperienced chap in the whole Chalo Ishq Larain.

team, but I have never considered myself an alien among them. Shehzad Gul, along with the rest of the team, was very supportive and all went out of their way to make me feel comfortable during the making of the film."

No matter how high an esteem those related to showbiz are held in, the field itself is seldom looked up to as a profession that would bring in the moolah necessary to maintain the lifestyle it requires one to adopt. What's more, even the respectability factor is several degrees lesser than what it commands in other parts of the world.

"This attitude has been prevalent in our society for decades. Due to lack of professionalism and less monetary incentives, our youth is unwilling to take it as a full time profession. When I entered this field, modeling was not considered a profession at all, rather a hobby. Show business in Pakistan requires a societal change in attitude."

Imran feels that given its limited resources, the Pakistani film industry is doing a good job. "It's working hard to keep up with global standards. However, there is a lot more that could be done. The most crucial requirement in this regard includes continuous hard work, high-tech labs and improving the condition of studios.

Most of all we need to educate our viewers because they are the ones who judge the performance of a movie as well as that of the actors who have worked in that movie."

Since one's first project could be one's last opportunity to prove oneself, Imran got carried away with the excitement and for the sake of a high, tried to do one of the stunts of Chalo Ishq Larain himself. "It was the climax scene. I jumped out of the helicopter onto a hot air balloon.

I felt goose bumps all over my body and a chill running down my spine. This is one experience that's been etched in my mind forever," says the actor sounding quite proud of his bold attempt.

On the personal front, Imran is a Computer Science graduate. He tied the nuptial knot two years ago and is "happily settled with his wife."

The debacle of Chalo Ishq Larain hasn't taken his spirits away. Things are looking up and one will get to see more of him in Rauf Khalid's next venture. Considering the present state of affairs, this star-studded flick could be the next best thing happening to Lollywood, providing the film industry as well as Imran Khan with the much needed boost. For now we can just wait and watch.