Nearly ten years after Islamabad’s “chaiwala” Arshad Khan captivated the internet with his piercing gaze and unexpected charm, another ordinary face from Pakistan is stealing the spotlight. This time, it’s a blue-eyed cloth merchant from Skardu, affectionately dubbed the “kapray wala.”
A brief video featuring the young shopkeeper, whose striking features—especially his light blue eyes—have turned heads online, has gone viral across social media platforms. Shared initially by a local female journalist, the clip has been widely reposted, quickly gaining traction among lifestyle and entertainment pages.
Hailing from a family with a 45-year legacy in the fabric trade, the young man manages a shop nestled in the scenic city of Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan. Though his family originates from Mardan in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, they’ve long been settled in the northern region. He’s been running the shop for over six years and admits to frequently receiving compliments for his appearance.
Despite the sudden fame and growing online fanbase, the “kapray wala” has no ambitions of entering the fashion or entertainment industries. He has expressed satisfaction with his current life and remains committed to carrying forward his family’s business.
That hasn’t stopped fans from showering him with admiration, with many social media users asking for his Instagram handle and likening him to the original chaiwala—some even suggesting he’s more handsome.
The parallels between the two viral stars are striking: both have Mardan roots, both gained fame through chance social media posts, and both won over the public with their natural good looks and humble backgrounds.
Arshad Khan, whose 2016 photo of making tea became a global phenomenon, later embraced a career in modeling and went on to open his own café brand, “Arshad Chaiwala.” He recently returned to the spotlight over questions surrounding his nationality and Afghan heritage.
Whether the “kapray wala” follows a similar path remains to be seen, but for now, he’s the latest reminder that sometimes, fame finds you when you least expect it.