Hyder – making a living out of ‘unusual’ height

By The NewsDay | Aug. 26, 2015 | 2 Min read

HERE is a man whose shoes – size 16 – and bed, are custom-made to suit his unusual height.<!

HERE is a man whose shoes – size 16 – and bed, are custom-made to suit his unusual height.

BY KENNEDY NYAVAYA

One of the tallest men in the world, Billal Hyder (22), was a major draw card at the Splash Paint booth at the on-going Zimbabwe Agricultural Show yesterday, causing a frenzy almost similar to the one witnessed on Monday when he walked through Harare’s central business district.

The 2,4 metres tall young giant from Pakistan jetted into the country three days ago and has been turning heads since his arrival.

In an interview with NewsDay through an interpreter, Hyder said he feels “fantastic” because of the overwhelming reception he has received so far.

Billal Hyder one of world's tallest man Sharmeen Wazir Mahomed

Hyder said what was particularly significant for him was that when he was still growing up, people tended to ostracise him because of his unusual height.

“I feel fantastic. While I was growing up, people used to sideline me because I was a bit different from others, but now because I am famous for it, we meet, interact although they used to leave me alone. That is part and parcel of life,” he said.

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Ironically, the ostensibly shy giant who only gave one-word replies to some of the questions asked by this reporter, has a relatively short manager who hardly gets to half his height.

The 22-year-old, who is making a living out of his unusual features both in his country and in foreign lands, has also visited other countries including China and Australia.

His aspiration, he said, was to be a soldier and should he get the chance, he would grab it with both hands.

“When I was young I wanted to join the army and if I get the chance I will definitely join it,” said Hyder.

Splash Paint managing director, Anis Patel, said they brought Hyder into the country because his height resembles their future motives of going higher as a brand and as a way to give their customers something different from other exhibitors.