Saihaan Gokhul featured in the Mr Price winter Fortnite gaming collection advertisement.
Image: Supplied
MEET Saihaan Gokhul, a 13-year-old aspiring model from Ballito, who has landed his first major role in a Mr Price advertisement.
Saihaan recently featured in the Mr Price winter Fortnite gaming clothing collection advertisement.
He said while he was still in disbelief, he was proud to see his picture displayed in Mr Price and Mr Price Kids stores across KwaZulu-Natal.
“I could not believe my eyes, it felt as if I was hallucinating. Seeing my picture in the store actually blew me away with excitement.”
He added that some of the stores include Ballito Junction, Phoenix Plaza, Cornubia Mall, and Centurion Mall in Gauteng.
Saihaan, a Grade 8 pupil at Sanpre Academy, said his journey into modelling started as a baby.
“My mom always wanted me to be featured in magazines and advertisements. When I was a baby and while living in Gauteng, my mom enrolled me with a casting agency. However, I never did any modelling jobs.
“After we relocated to KwaZulu-Natal last year, my mom decided to enrol me with a casting agency in October. In November we were asked to go to a Mr Price store to try on some clothes and send a video introducing myself. It all started there.
“In January the agency contacted my mom and asked if we were available to come through for a photo shoot at the Mr Price head office in Durban. I was chosen to be featured in their winter Fortnite gaming collection which is being sold in the stores and on their online platform. The whole experience was amazing,” he said.
Saihaan said modelling has boosted his confidence.
“I have also learnt a lot while doing the photo shoot such as to have patience and just be myself.”
Saihaan said he hoped to secure more modelling jobs in the future.
“I would love to be featured in video advertisements and magazines, and get the opportunity to model for other successful retailers. But I will see what God has planned for me.”
Saihaan added that his dream was to become a model and pilot.
“Since my mom and I have been flying between Johannesburg and Durban during school holidays, I developed a passion for aviation.So if I don't make a career out of modelling, I will pursue a career in aviation. But my dream is to be able to be a pilot and model at the same time.”
Arusha Singh, his mother said it was a dream come true.
“I am thankful to God as this was a dream come true. I always say that if you believe and have good intentions for your child, anything is possible. Ever since Saihaan was a baby he was the centre of attraction with many people complimenting me about how perfect he was, and he still is.
“It is definitely a proud parent moment. I always want the best for Saihaan. He is my pride and joy, and all I hope and pray for is that he grows from this and becomes successful in every step he takes. I am ever so grateful to the casting agency as well as Mr Price for giving Saihaan the opportunity to be featured. I was just as excited to see his pictures featured in the stores,” she said.