Meet Gbril: The Emerging Actor & Model Who Strives to Conquer the Local Entertainment Industry

By Aqasha Nalani  •  16 Apr 2024 in Fashion

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As the Malaysian fashion industry continues to expand, we’re seeing more and more new faces entering the scene, eager to make their mark in the modelling world.

One such emerging talent is 23-year-old Gbril, who made his debut walking on the runway of Neonate in 2022.

Since then, he has graced numerous other runways and fashion magazines, secured a spot in the top five of Men’s Folio’s Model of the Year, and even starred in a local drama.

He’s more than just a face in the fashion industry—Gbril is an artist dedicated to pushing boundaries and showcasing his talent to the world.

To get to know him better, JUICE sat down with the 23-year-old and asked him about his career and aspirations. Here’s our conversation:

Hi Gbril, thanks for sitting down with us today. Can you tell us a bit about you and how you got started in the modelling scene?

Hello, and thank you for having me. The idea to start modelling actually came to me spontaneously.

Before I came into the industry, I was the usual rebel without a cause, but then the thought of trying modelling just sneaked into my mind. I remember telling myself, “Huh, this could be interesting,” and feeling curious about the industry.

I then entered the Neonate casting for KLFW 2022, but I couldn’t have imagined the journey that lies ahead. From juggling morning coffee shifts and evening hotel receptions, modelling just seemed like a distant dream at the time.

Yet, a surprise tag on social media from a friend changed everything, opening doors I never thought possible. Fast forward to today, and here I am, speaking to JUICE, strutting my stuff, and keeping it as real as possible.

What is your proudest work in the fashion industry so far?

A highlight in my career was when I bagged my first campaign shoot, appearing in MSYD’s “Born to Struggle” Fall/Winter collection in 2022, alongside the talented Ain Rahman. Being part of such a collection was an honour beyond words.

Throughout my career, Masyadi Mansoor has been a guiding light. He spotted my potential when I was just starting out, back in the year I made my debut at the Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week (KLFW). His belief in me has been unwavering, helping me shape my path in the fashion world in ways I could never have imagined.

Masyadi is more than a mentor; he’s a true visionary in the industry.

I’ve also appeared in Mensfolio and Glam Malaysia, and each time I see the final shots of myself plastered across fashion magazines, I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Each moment was pure fire, and it fueled me to keep pushing my boundaries and showing the world what the entire team I’ve worked with is made of.

It always feels so surreal because, to me, it’s not just about the name of the brand or the title of the magazines; it’s about showing what I can offer and bringing some serious swagger with a killer team that made this possible.

Aside from modelling, you’ve also ventured into the acting world and have always shown interest in the creative industry. Can you share with us that experience?

The creative industry has been on my radar forever. From the shadows to the spotlight, I’ve been carving my path for years now. This industry is where I navigate, calculate, and stay focused on my next move—it’s where I get to play and grow as an individual.

For acting, I started testing the waters a few years ago, but it wasn’t until 2023 that I really stayed committed to the art. My proudest project so far has to be the TV3 drama Racun Rihanna, where I starred alongside other amazing actors, including Intan Najwa, Rita Rudaini, Azah Aziz, Jasmine Suraya, and many more.

It was a real grind, but it taught me so much about the craft and myself. It was definitely a milestone in my career.

Tell us some of the difficulties you’ve faced while working in both industries.

Oh, you want to talk about the grind? Hahaha.

It’s honestly a constant battle in both industries. You’ll have to go through numerous auditions, face rejections, and hear endless critiques—these things can eventually make anyone second-guess themselves.

There’s also the pressure to always be at your best; whether it’s nailing that audition or looking flawless on set, you have to be at the top of your game at all times. But you know what they say: What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.

I’ve faced tonnes of rejection in both the modelling and acting industries, and heck, I still do. But I don’t beat myself up for it, in fact, I see it as an opportunity to grow. It’s not easy, but I choose to learn from it.

I listen to the feedback, replot my strategies, and keep moving forward. Each rejection makes me stronger and more appreciative of success when it comes. So, while rejection definitely stings, it’s just a part of the journey.

Where do you see yourself in the next five years? Perhaps you have plans to venture out into other industries?

In the next five years, I see myself reaching new heights, both personally and professionally. I’ll definitely seize every opportunity that comes my way, and I will continue to push boundaries and make my mark in the world. It’s all about growth, evolution, and embracing whatever adventures lie ahead.

Who knows what the future holds, right? For now, I’m just focused on doing what I love and seeing where my passion can take me. If opportunities come knocking in other industries, I’ll definitely consider them, but as of now, I’m content to keep doing my thing and seeing where the journey leads.

Do you have any words to say to those who aspire to delve into the industries you’re in?

To the future stars, these industries aren’t for the faint of heart. It’s definitely a tough game, but if you’ve got the grit and determination to overcome the obstacles, you might just make it.

Just remind yourself to always be grounded, work hard, and never let anyone tell you what you can or cannot do. Remember, in this cutthroat world, only the strong will survive. So, toughen up, rise above the noise, and show the world what you’re truly made of.

Follow Gbril on Instagram to stay updated on his career.

Previously, we spoke to Imran Lee to understand his views on the modelling industry. Read more here.