He is just 23 but check out his portfolio: Winner of the Gladrags Manhunt contest in 1996 defeating Akash Saigal, Amar Deep and Tarun Raghavan. His ad campaigns include Fiesta condoms, Trevi jeans, Weekender and Warehouse. On the ramp, he has shaken a leg for Shahab Durazi, Rina Dhaka and Rohit Gandhi.

Is he married?

No. The good news for ladies is that this hunk is footloose and fancy free. But don't get your hopes up -- he is not planning to marry for a while. "I am too young for that." And we agree.

We are more concerned about the fact that Syed seems to have done a ton of work, but his face has not become a household name?

Well, Syed only just moved to Mumbai, three months ago. So in the glamour capital of the country, he is still a newcomer. "I really want to do well which is why I moved to Mumbai." Syed is from Bangalore but left his hometown to pursue his dream of being a successful model and movie star.

We think the reason he is not a big name is because hecannot make up his mind -- some people call him Zulfi Syed and others Syed Zulfi?

"There are so many people whose names begin with S, that people find it easier to remember Z for Zulfi than Syed." And Syed does not mind. Call him by any name -- just call him.

And they are. Industry watchers tout Syed as the face to watch and they predict he has all the makings of a supermodel.

Well, it shows that Syed loves to be in front of the camera. Even though he insists that he prefers the ramp. "I started out in Bangalore with ramp and I love the momentum of a live show."

How is he planning to get a foothold into the competitive world of the catwalk?

"As long as you are good, choreographers and designers will use you." And Syed is lucky that some of his close friends dominate the ramp. "Both Tarun Aurora and Bunty Garewal are among my best friends." But fun apart, Syed wants more -- he has set his sights on being a movie hero.

Oh god! Another model bitten by the Bollywood bug. Does hereally think he stands a chance?

He is quite sure. Syed is talking to filmwallahs but there is nothing official about it. He would love to work with Mahesh Bhatt or Subhash Ghai. But until that big break, Syed is happy with modelling. And he is looking forward to Rohit Bal's show at the end of the month. "I love wearing his clothes."

A true clotheshorse, is he?

Yes. He spends most of his money on clothes. And he loves to dress formally. Like most fashion victims, his favourite colour is black. And, among his favourite designers are Hemant Trevedi, Rohit Gandhi and the Big Bal.

And to make their clothes sit well, what does he do to look good?

Work-out for three hours a day. "I eat what I want but I make sure I compensate by working out." But at the end of the day, this heavy-muscle man turns into a couch potato. "I can watch up to four films a day."

Does he get the munchies while watching TV?

Yes, but luckily, his favourite food is tandoori -- which is healthy andlow-cal.

What about partying -- models seem to be quite the men about town?

"If I have a shoot the next day then I do not go out. I have to be conscientious and not party too much. Right now is the time to concentrate on work." Well, he has his priorities correct -- on that alone, he should make it to the top.

What is this model-with-a-mind most likely to say?

"Life is short, so go ahead and make the most of it."

And least likely to say?

"`Fight.' You should never get into a fight."