In a cultural landscape often driven by formulaic stardom and surface-level spectacle, Muhammad Usman Malik is emerging as a quiet yet compelling force a multidisciplinary artist who is choosing introspection over immediacy, personal truth over public approval.
At just 23, the Islamabad-based performer is weaving together a body of work that spans modeling, acting, music, and visual direction each thread revealing a story of risk, resilience, and creative independence.
From Fashion Runways to Film Reels
Malik first garnered attention in 2017, when he was named Best Model of the Year while still studying at the National College of Arts (NCA). His early modeling years saw him walk for high-concept fashion labels and appear in edgy editorial spreads that challenged conventional beauty norms.
But fashion, while foundational, was never the endgame.
“I was always more curious about the story behind the image,” Malik recalls. “Modeling gave me access, but it didn’t fully satisfy me as a storyteller.”
His pivot to acting was deliberate, not opportunistic. He took on supporting roles in locally acclaimed productions like Parchi (2018) and Heer Maan Ja (2019) small parts, yes, but enough to place him on the radar of casting directors.
His breakout moment came in Joyland (2022), the Oscar-shortlisted feature that drew international acclaim for its nuanced portrayal of gender and family. “Being part of something that important even in a minor capacity changed how I saw the potential of cinema,” he says.
In 2024, he appeared in Umro Ayyar: A New Beginning, marking his first big-screen fantasy project and demonstrating his ability to transition across genres.
In 2024, he appeared in Umro Ayyar: A New Beginning, marking his first big-screen fantasy project and demonstrating his ability to transition across genres.
Music as Memory: The Other Voice
Parallel to his film work, Malik has cultivated an experimental presence in music. His independently produced tracks Chidiya, Taare, and A Fake Friend live mostly on platforms like Spotify and SoundCloud, accompanied by stripped-down visuals and conceptual videos.
He describes these songs as “personal archives of emotion.” They aren’t designed for virality, but rather for preservation of mood, memory, and moment.
“Music is where I don’t perform. I just confess,” Malik says.
Fashion as Fluid Identity
This year, Malik turned heads and sparked debate when he shared what appeared to be a Calvin Klein-inspired campaign on Instagram. The shoot’s aesthetic leaned into minimalist sensuality, echoing global campaigns but layered with Malik’s own cultural defiance.
While critics accused him of pushing boundaries too far, younger audiences praised the look as refreshingly unfiltered. Malik, characteristically, said nothing in response.
“I don’t owe the internet my explanations,” he tells The Express Tribune. “Fashion, to me, is a private rebellion made public.”
He credits Indian actor Ranveer Singh as a key influence. “It’s not about copying anyone,” Malik clarifies. “But seeing someone take those risks gave me the courage to do what feels real to me.”
Surviving the System: Rejection, Rumors, and the Reinvention of Success
Breaking into Pakistan’s entertainment industry is not for the faint of heart and Malik has the scars to prove it.
“There’s no manual. No mentor. Most of the time, you’re being told what not to be, not what you can become,” he says.
In a candid moment, he reflected on the often unseen challenges: being underpaid, typecast, or dismissed as “too different.” He also addressed the emotional toll of constant scrutiny, particularly online. “I’ve learned to separate what’s true from what’s trending. Otherwise, you’ll lose your center.”
He recalls being advised repeatedly to “tone it down,” “play safe,” or “fit in.” His response? A firm no.
“I didn’t come here to be a mirror,” Malik insists. “I came to be a mosaic cracked, layered, but mine.”
What’s Next?
Sources confirm that Malik recently auditioned for a high-profile Green TV drama directed by Shahid Shafaat with producers reportedly impressed by his screen presence and emotional range. He is also working on an experimental short film and is expected to release new music before the year ends.
“I’m building a career that’s not dependent on the moment,” he says. “It’s about the message. The craft. The slow burn.”
