On doing photoshoots: there is a little bit of acting involved (not much). You have an idea of the style of the photographer, and what the client's product is like
Gig: Do you listen to music? If so, what genre do you particularly like? What is currently in your player?

Atesh: It depends on my mood. Right now it's Arabic, last week it was J.Lo and at the weekend it was my local Greek Radio station.

Gig: When and how did you make the transition into modeling?

Atesh: It's the old story of mum and my sister pushing me out there. They heard a local radio ad looking for new talent and so sent in my photo and then marched me down there for a photo shoot.

Gig: You've just done a movie called "The Winter Sun is a Lie". What was that experience like? And what was your role in it? Also, will it be released to a wider audience, or is it purely an art house film? (On a side note, do you think it would be possible for me to view it?)

Atesh: I played the brother to the main character in the film. It's still in post-production and will probably be released at festivals.

Gig: In my opinion the pictures taken by Peter Lindbergh for both the Giorgio Armani and A. Testoni campaigns were some of the most beautiful that I've seen. What is the experience of being photographed on an assignment like? Are you very self conscious while being photographed?

Atesh: Generally it's fun. You may snigger but there is a little bit of acting involved (not much). You have an idea of the style of the photographer, and what the client's product is like. Then you go to work and try to give them the image they want. It's not brain surgery.
STATS THAT MATTERS: Atesh Salih was born in Nigeria to a Turkish Cypriot (Father) and a German (Mother). Standing at 5'10", Atesh added " I am 32 this year..."

Aside from the now highly-acclaimed stint for Giorgio Armani, Atesh has done photoshoots for such fashion magazines as Wallpaper*, GQ and Vogue Hommes. He also modeled for Cerruti, Swatch, among others.

Gig: What are some of the exercise and diet routines you keep? You have a well structured build, very lithe and sleek yet also muscular. Would you attribute these features to good genetics or lifestyle?

MINDSPEAK: Travelling and seeing so many different cultures has certainly influenced the way I think and my world view in general.

Atesh: I'm skinny like my dad. I'm not obsessive but I try to go to the gym a couple of times a week. My diet's balanced, a bit of everything, with a little excess of one or the other every now and then.

Gig: What are some of your aspirations, and what leaves you most fulfilled at the end of the day? In this life, what would you like to be remembered for? What are some of the things you would like to accomplish?

Atesh: I'd really love a home abroad, somewhere hot. Also I'd like to be respected as an actor in years to come. A good meal is pretty fulfilling!

Gig: And finally, what advice would you give to someone starting out on a modeling career?

Atesh: Good luck!! It's unpredictable, so make sure it's not the only thing you're doing and don't forget a 'Model' is not for life.

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Acknowledgement: ModelWatch is extremely grateful to Atesh Salih for his willingness to be interviewed for our website. All credits goes to Gig D'Aguiar who made sure that everything goes well- from contacting Mr. Salih's agencies to finally securing the much-deserved response from Atesh himself.
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