A journey of discipline, ambition, and charisma: Ben Rayat opens up about his path from bodybuilding to becoming fashion’s rising star — and his first steps into acting.
You used to be a fitness coach. What’s harder — building a body or breaking into the fashion industry?
Building a body is mostly about personal taste — shaping yourself into what you like. That can be challenging, but it’s still a personal journey. Breaking into fashion, on the other hand, is far more complex. To succeed you have to pass through many filters: photographers, directors, brands. You need to stand out from every angle and earn recognition from all of them. That makes fashion a tougher, more demanding path than simply building a good physique.
People often compare you to the actor from 365. Is that a compliment, or a label you’re tired of?
I definitely take it as a compliment. The actor from 365 is charismatic both as a model and as an actor who rose to fame very quickly. He’s admired for his looks, his presence, even his unique style — and he’s not someone people dislike in the industry. In fact, I respect him personally. So being compared to him feels positive and motivating. If people see that similarity, maybe it’s a sign I can also follow a path of success in fashion and film.
Modeling is always about looks. What’s the most “un-model-like” thing about you — and how does it make you real?
Looks and charisma are not the same. Someone can be beautiful without being truly captivating. To me, the difference is like fame versus popularity — many people are famous, but not all are loved. Real connection comes only from inner honesty and good energy. I believe the most un-model-like quality I have, and what makes me real, is staying true to myself first, and then to the world around me.
The fashion world is full of short-lived “stars.” How will you prove you’re not just another passing trend?
Short-lived trends exist only when there’s no real purpose or drive behind them. For me, fitness was already a long challenge — I spent over 14 years in that world as both a coach and a model. What kept me going wasn’t just discipline but the constant motivation and the high expectations I set for myself. If you’re satisfied too quickly, you fade. But if you keep chasing a better version of yourself with hope and ambition, you build something lasting. That’s why I believe I won’t just be a passing trend.
You came from fitness into fashion. How often do you hear the phrase: “He’s too good-looking to be taken seriously as an actor”?
Fashion was a dream for me since I was a teenager. But because I started bodybuilding at 16 or 17, I always had a bigger, more muscular body than fashion agencies wanted. I was often told I could only be a photo model. Years later, after working on my proportions, I tried again and this time I felt more prepared — and more successful.
When it comes to acting, I believe good looks are only a plus. What truly matters is the ability to make people feel. A real actor can transfer emotion — sadness that makes an audience cry, or love that touches their hearts. If you can do that and also have strong screen presence, then beauty becomes an extra strength. For me, that’s the balance I want to bring: fitness discipline, modeling experience, and the emotional truth of acting.
What matters more to you: being remembered as a beautiful legend, or as a bold game-changer?
Beauty fades — energy and impact don’t. I’d rather be remembered as someone who inspired change, who showed discipline, passion, and ambition in every step. If people remember me only for my looks, that’s temporary. But if they remember me for breaking limits and chasing something greater, that’s a legacy.
Interview by Kristina Mezhynskaya, Editor-in-Chief, ELLEDGY Magazine
Photographer Miras Bayanov