Zulfi Syed
FinalistZulfi Syed
Bio
Zulfi Syed (real name Zulfikar Syed, often called DJ Zulfi) is an Indian model, actor, DJ, music producer, and entrepreneur born on 26 August 1976 in Bengaluru, Karnataka, into a Muslim family with roots in Kodagu. He attended Bishop Cotton Boys' School, Bengaluru, and completed an MBA in Hotel Management from Bangalore University. He was first noticed when he won the Gladrags Manhunt Contest and Supermodel of the Year in 1996 — launching a decade-long modelling career defined by high-impact advertising campaigns for Raymond's, Levis, Fiesta condoms, Trevi, and Warehouse. His wistful eyes, chiselled features, and well-sculpted physique made him a ramp favourite and one of India's most recognised male models of the late 1990s and 2000s. His Kannada film debut O Mallige (1997) became the highest-grossing Kannada film of that year. He acted in over a dozen Bollywood and South Indian productions including Pyaasa (2002), Chupke Se (2003), Wajahh: A Reason to Kill (2004), Taj Mahal: An Eternal Love Story (2005, as young Prince Khurram/Shah Jahan), Mr. Hot Mr. Kool (2007), and Desh Drohi (2008). He has also appeared in music videos including Chahat Desh Se Anewale, Buleyaa, and Tere Khayalon Mein. Post-modelling, he built a career as a DJ and music producer, and founded the restaurant and nightclub brands Lord of Drinks and BoomBox, with outlets in Goa and Mumbai. In August 2008, he entered Bigg Boss Season 2 hosted by Shilpa Shetty. His dignified, neutral presence made him one of the most respected contestants of the season. He finished as the second runner-up on 22 November 2008.
Winning the Gladrags Manhunt Contest and Supermodel of the Year (1996), launching one of India's most celebrated modelling careers; his memorable advertising campaigns for Raymond's, Levis, Trevi, Fiesta condoms, and Warehouse; his Kannada film debut O Mallige (1997), which became the year's highest-grossing Kannada film; his role as young Emperor Shah Jahan in the historical film Taj Mahal: An Eternal Love Story (2005); founding the restaurant and nightclub brands Lord of Drinks and BoomBox in Goa and Mumbai; finishing as second runner-up of Bigg Boss Season 2 (Colors TV, 2008).