Their delightful print campaign celebrating world culture, ethnicity and zest for life has won this Italian apparel brand laurels across the globe. Glorifying the global village phenomenon — with Americans, Africans and Chinese framed in single prints — United Colors of Benetton (UCB) is famous for it’s unique advertising. For the first time, an Indian will be featured on it’s prints. And Bangalore boy Zoheb Yusuf, has grabbed the campaign. Metrolife caught up with the lanky model over an exclusive chat.

The new Benetton face...
Yes, I am the first Indian to shoot for UCB. I have shot with a Brazilian model for their new print campaign. The shoot took place in Delhi. It will be out sometime in mid-September. I am very excited. I got this opportunity through Elite modelling agency in Delhi.

Indian on Benetton...
When I was told that no Indian had ever shot for UCB and that I was the first, it was overwhelming. The brand name is big, celebrates world culture and I am only glad to be associated with it. I have heard that they regularly give a percentage of their business for charity work as well. Not only because I am shooting for them, I also love wearing their clothes.

Career plan...
My focus is to work with more international brands and grow as a model. I want to do high-fashion both for ramp and print work. There are many big projects in the pipeline. I am also trying for fashion week. I may soon go to London for a season. I am lean and fit the bill for the international fashion market.

Being lean...
It’s worked to my advantage and disadvantage. Indian masses cannot accept me. But it works very well internationally. As long as I am in fashion, I will maintain this look. I do want to look athletic though and I am working on it.

On Bollywood...
Neither do I have the mature face nor the body to become a Bollywood hero. I have always been interested in acting though. At present, if given a chance, I would like to do off-beat cinema like ‘Life in a Metro’ or ‘The Namesake’. However, I primarily want to focus on high-fashion now.

Being Bangalore-bred...
I am true blue Bangalorean. I was born here, did my schooling in Ooty and college in Baldwin Methodist College. I got into modelling and was trained by Prasad Bidapa. Bangalore is a great training ground.
Now I am Mumbai-based and shuttle between cities for work. But I keep coming back to Bangalore to catch up with my friends. At the end of the day, you belong to your roots!