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Nomi Qamar  Controversy is Nomi Qamar's middle name. After he smashed the 2002 Lux Style Award trophies backstage in a fit of rage after losing the Best Male Model award to Farooq Mannan, he became more known for his temper than for the ground-breaking work he's done in fashion.
When the 6'1" toffee-eyed hunk took out time for Images, it became clear that he is even more unpredictable than the rumours surrounding him. He's the first to admit he's a man of varying moods.
"Sometimes I'm quiet, sometimes talkative," he explained, "it depends on how I feel."
A cusp between Gemini and Taurus, even his star sign is mixed and changeable. Yet, when it comes to work, he's known as hard-working and professional. "I deliver what other people want," he states matter-of-factly, "I try to be professional."
His professional work attitude and striking looks led to his first photo shoot with Ather Shehzad seven years ago. Then, just 20, Nomi was quickly picked up and was awarded with job after job.
Today, he has become a staple of the Pakistani fashion industry. In fact, when he lost the Lux Style Awards, many industry insiders felt he was unjustly robbed of a well-deserved honour. He himself feels minimal, if any, remorse over his violent tantrum, and in fact still believes that he was a victim of an unfair system.
"It was totally unfair," he spitted out vehemently through clenched teeth. "I was the only male model that year who went abroad for shows; I did the most work. When they gave the award to Farooq Mannan, who hadn't been working for over two years, it was so unfair."
It is only after much cajoling that Nomi admits he might have been out of line in smashing the awards. "Well, I feel bad about my behaviour because it was silly but," he qualified, "there is no system in this country."
He went on to speak of this year's LSA where he felt the forerunner, Mikaal (Qamar was disqualified from all future competitions) was cheated out of the 2003 Best Male Model Award. Mikaal, however, accepted his fate more graciously.
Although Qamar has rubbed more than his share of industry insiders the wrong way, he also has plenty of champions in the fashion world.
Model Zainab Qayyum (aka ZQ) is quick to defend her friend and colleague. "Nomi is the best male model Pakistan has ever seen. He's done such ground-breaking work and above all, he is so sweet."
 Nomi Qamar is now managing a new TV fashion channel in Lahore. He is also one of the sharpest visionaries in the industry and not just a pretty face. He became genuinely interested in the interview when the topic turned to the fashion industry overall, and suggestions to improve and revitalize the system.
"I want to change one thing. I always say there's a lack of teamwork in our country. With fashion in Pakistan, it's always a monopoly or one-man show. Even in India, it doesn't happen that way.
There's a separate coordinator, stylist, photographer, light man, etc. Everyone puts his or her own individual effort. Here, it's completely different. But it's been getting better since the last two to three years with new people coming in such as fashion students. It's becoming more and more professional with every passing day," he said.
He believes the role of the media has also improved in the last few years. "There used to be no fashion on TV and people thought of fashion and modelling as vulgarity. Now, things are better."
Having learned much from others in the industry, particularly Hasan Shehryar Yasin, Nomi is a strong believer in teaching others. "I have learned so much and from so many different people," he admits.
He now wants to be a vital part of advancing and improving the industry. "I hope to start a modelling/acting/ singing school. So many people here want to be guitarists, make-up artists, choreographers, etc, but there is no platform. Not only is there no modelling school, there isn't even a modelling agency in Pakistan."
Listening to Nomi discuss his dreams and plans, it's clear that he's determined to make a change. "I've been around. I know the fashion industry inside out,"
He spoke about his year-long stint as the fashion coordinator of a well-known local fashion magazine. "I think everyone in the world does fashion in his or her own way. Whether it's making watches or shoes, fashion is a part of everyone's life."
Nomi Qamar is the first to admit that a man still can't make a living out of modelling in this country. "Of course, who doesn't like to be famous but this business doesn't have a future for a male model," he explained. "It just doesn't pay enough. It can only be a hobby."
An award-winning athlete, Nomi was once a member of Pakistan's national baseball and athletics teams.
 The catwalk lover in Nomi revealed that his favourite part of being a model is the attention he receives. Basically a casual, easy going person, he appreciates clothes that have impeccable tailoring.
"If a cut is great but the detailing is off, I just don't like the outfit." The same care and concern translates to Nomi's professional attitude towards his career.
In fact, his stormy moods add to the variety of his looks on the catwalk, and have enhanced his career. He may be the Heathcliff of local fashion, but like the temperamental literary hero, it is unlikely Nomi - award or no award - will be forgotten.
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