In the latest episode of Scribe Talks, we have Shreyas Mehta who was born in Mumbai and bred in Dubai, Shreyas Mehta is a model-cum-actor whose approach to life and career is rooted in a culture of discipline, hard work, and relentless pursuit of excellence — qualities he brought to the screen in his breakthrough role in Bravo TV’s ‘Love Without Borders’. In the hit series, Shreyas instantly struck a chord with the global audience for his screen persona and for truly embodying the multicultural spirit of Dubai. Like many success stories in Dubai, Shreyas’ journey began with robust academic credentials.
The unique combination of an undergraduate degree in mass media and postgraduation in fashion design first led Shreyas to Twenty4, a brand where he honed his skills and excelled in the Buyer role. It didn’t take long for Shreyas to emerge as the face of leading brands, feature in several advertisements and major fashion weeks like IIJW, model for sought-after fashion designers, and bag many accolades, including the Tassel Designers Award 2013.
While building on the success of ‘Love Without Borders’ and advancing his career in the entertainment industry, Shreyas Mehta has also launched his own fashion label, Flashmob Nation, which represents a blend of his strong creative streak, academic knowledge, and diverse cultural experiences spanning Middle Eastern, Indian and Western design influences.
Scribe: How is the fashion industry shaping up in Dubai? What are its tailwinds?
Shreyas: In a pluralistic society like Dubai, where a multitude of interests and preferences converge, industries such as fashion are buoyed by aggregate demand. That said, in recent years, the advent of the younger generation has charted a new course for the industry in terms of textile culture, design influences, and value creation. The emphasis that the local culture places on self-care, personal grooming, and appearances, too, has had a catalytic effect on the fashion industry. The increasing role of fashion in contemporary culture is perhaps the greatest, structural tailwind. Such tell-tale signs, combined with my professional experience, ignited an entrepreneurial spark in me, leading to the launch of my own fashion label, ‘Flashmob Nation’.
Scribe: Please elaborate on your fashion brand, its inspiration(s), and your vision for it, in the context of Dubai as a launchpad.
Shreyas: Flashmob Nation is a high-street designer brand and we launched at the Dubai Design District on 12th March. It is a product of my years of industry experience, inspired by the Dubai social scene, its people, and their unique preferences. In a way, it’s a marriage between high-street and designer wear.
A unisex brand with a strong sense of cosmopolitanism, Flashmob Nation has launched a range of dresses, t-shirts, partywear, denim, and tracksuits. Our USPs are premium material, eye-catching design, and an unapologetic sense of fashion.
The inaugural collections include a bohemian ensemble called the ‘Snob Society’ and a fit-for-purpose set named the ‘Party Criminal’. Made in Istanbul, Flashmob Nation apparel is purpose-designed for different occasions and locations. The inaugural collections include a bohemian ensemble called the ‘Snob Society’ and a flamboyant set named the ‘Party Criminal’.
Sequin-heavy apparel dominates the collections. From one-shoulder bodycon and mini dresses to contemporary crop tops to eccentric oversized jackets, sequin is the staple. Carefree clubbing is embodied by zip-up and buttoned co-ord sets in outlandish silver tones and solid colours. Shine-finish belted coats, faux fur corset tops, embellished denim, and vintage black blazers are not just party outfits but party starters in their own right.
I envision a future where younger generations will yearn to identify with the brand for what it means to them. Turning that vision into reality requires sartorial excellence, a sync with customer movements, and an unwavering commitment to quality. Dubai’s favourable entrepreneurial ecosystem and upbeat consumer sentiment present an ideal avenue for Flashmob Nation to grow.
Scribe: How does your “Dubai Boy” identity relate to the plot of the reality TV series ‘Love Without Borders’? What’s the significance of the “Dubai angle” in the international series?
Shreyas: Today, Dubai has a prominent place in the global public discourse and pop culture. The general perception is that multiculturalism is woven into the city’s social fabric. So, from the showrunner’s standpoint, Dubai offers a great backdrop for a reality series with a strong lifestyle element. My casting in the series, I believe, is owed to my identity as an Indian expat who found a home in Dubai — a microcosm of the cultural pluralism that this city represents. I manifested my true, “Dubai Boy” identity to my fullest potential in the series, embodying the local culture of respect, hospitality, and liberality. And true to expectations, the response to the “Dubai angle” has been overwhelming.
Scribe: What were the preparations that have gone into your role? Did you have to go beyond your comfort zone?
Shreyas: As ‘Love Without Borders’ is a reality TV show, it necessitated participants to be their true and best selves. So, I was very much in my element. However, at the same time, one cannot totally operate without inhibitions in front of a camera. There was also added pressure to do justice to the distinction of being one of the first Dubai-based actors to feature in an international series. As a result, it took a degree of psychological preparation, where my prior experience in acting and modeling came to my rescue. Additionally, the filming was done in and around Dubai — locations I feel a strong sense of familiarity with, owing to living in the city for over a decade.
Scribe: There’s a visible trend toward creative careers, such as influencing, acting, modeling, etc., globally. What does it take to excel in those domains?
Shreyas: I can say, from experience, that passion is the prerequisite to pursuing creative careers. I was geared toward acting and modeling from when I was a teenager. So, I laid a strong foundation through a bachelor’s degree in media and a master’s in fashion design, followed by a decade-long stint as a ‘fashion buyer’ for a retail brand alongside modeling gigs. That is to say, the road to the TV show role was anything but short and smooth. Yet, at no point did I lose sight of the bigger picture.
So, my suggestion to the myriads of aspiring actors and models in Dubai is to believe in the power of perseverance. At the same time, emphasize your mental health and well-being because the industry can, at times, overwhelm you. Even when you are without projects, don’t stop honing your skills, including but not limited to learning new languages. I’m currently enrolled in Spanish and acting classes, and I spend a considerable amount of time refining my social-media presence, which was instrumental in my casting in ‘Love Without Borders’. Social platforms help you keep abreast of new developments in the industry and connect you to new opportunities.
