Won’t Act in Films, It’s Dishonourable: Pak’s Celebrity Tea Vendor
“I came to know this morning that I am very good looking,” says Arshad Khan.
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The 18-year-old tea vendor who became Pakistan's newest celebrity when his photo went viral on the internet says he has no plans for an acting career -- though he is flattered by the attention he’s been getting.
Arshad Khan became an overnight sensation this week when a photographer's Instagram shot of him working at his tea stall was shared tens of thousands of times.
"It was all very baffling," said Khan, who has blue-green eyes, a wiry physique and a trim moustache.
Khan is an ethnic Pashtun, a people living mostly in Pakistan and Afghanistan who sometimes have light skin and eyes, a testament to the region's history as a cultural crossroads of trade, conquering armies and colonialism.
Local news outlets have carried reports of offers of modeling contracts and even a possible film career for Khan, but he says he's not interested.
Acting in films, he said "is not honourable work. Pashtuns always look for work that is honourable .... If I can find some clean, honourable work, I will certainly do it."
Even if he did have acting aspirations, his opportunities may be limited by the escalating tensions between nuclear-armed neighbours Pakistan and India.
There have already been calls in India for a ban on Pakistani actors and actresses in the country's giant Bollywood film industry.
Despite his lack of interest in acting, Khan said he has come to enjoy his sudden - albeit possibly brief - moment of fame.
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