Nearly a decade after Islamabad’s “chaiwala” Arshad Khan became a social media phenomenon, a new face from Pakistan’s northern region is capturing the public’s imagination. This time, it’s a young blue-eyed fabric seller from Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan, affectionately dubbed the “kapray wala” by netizens. His striking appearance and humble background have sparked widespread admiration, drawing immediate parallels to the original chaiwala who transformed overnight from tea seller to a national celebrity.
From Humble Shop to Social Media Stardom
The newfound fame of the “kapray wala” began with a short video recorded by a local female journalist. In the clip, the young man is seen running his family-owned fabric shop in the scenic city of Skardu. The video quickly went viral, thanks to his captivating blue eyes and calm demeanor. Social media lifestyle and entertainment platforms wasted no time in sharing the content, causing the young shopkeeper’s popularity to snowball.
According to the video, the family has been in the textile business for around 45 years, with roots originally in Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The young man has managed the Skardu shop for the past six to seven years, carrying forward the family legacy. As his popularity surged, he received an outpouring of praise and admiration from social media users, many of whom began requesting details about his Instagram account and personal life.
Despite his rapid rise to fame, the “kapray wala” remains grounded. He has made it clear that he has no aspirations of modeling or stepping into the entertainment world. Instead, he emphasized his satisfaction with his current life, stating that his primary focus is on serving his community and continuing the family business. His humility and dedication to tradition have only added to his appeal, resonating with audiences across Pakistan.
Comparisons to Islamabad’s “Chaiwala” Arshad Khan
The story of the Skardu cloth seller has naturally invited comparisons to Arshad Khan, the chaiwala whose candid photo while preparing tea at an Islamabad dhaba in 2016 went viral. Khan’s life took a dramatic turn as he was propelled into the modeling world, eventually launching his own international tea café brand, “Arshad Chaiwala.” His transformation from an ordinary tea seller to a recognized entrepreneur became a symbol of how social media can change lives overnight.
Interestingly, both the chaiwala and the kapray wala trace their roots to Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This shared heritage has sparked additional interest, with many drawing parallels between their journeys from humble beginnings to nationwide fame. While Arshad Khan embraced the spotlight, stepping into modeling and entrepreneurship, the Skardu shopkeeper has chosen a different path, preferring to remain close to his family and business.
Arshad Khan’s recent headlines also add a twist to the ongoing comparisons. Reports surfaced suggesting that he may be of Afghan origin, with questions about his citizenship currently under legal scrutiny. This has reignited conversations about identity and belonging, further fueling public interest in stories of ordinary Pakistanis attaining viral fame.
The Power of Social Media in Shaping Everyday Heroes
The viral journey of Skardu’s blue-eyed cloth seller highlights the transformative power of social media in contemporary Pakistan. As videos and images circulate rapidly online, everyday individuals are given new platforms to share their stories, talents, and cultures with the world. The “kapray wala” joins a growing list of viral sensations who have captivated audiences not through celebrity status, but through authenticity and relatable backgrounds.
For now, the Skardu shopkeeper’s story serves as a reminder of the country’s diverse beauty and the unpredictability of fame in the digital age. His blue-eyed gaze and humble approach continue to inspire and charm viewers, making him the latest symbol of how an ordinary life can be transformed by a single viral moment.
