Remember Zulfi Syed From Bigg Boss 2? Here's What BB 2's 2nd Runner-Up Doing Now

Actor, supermodel and DJ Zulfi Syed has opened up about being a farmer. Known for Bigg Boss Season 2's second runner-up, known for acting in films like Taj Mahal: An Eternal Love Story, Chupke Se amomg others, and now DJ Zulfi spinning Bollywood, Afro beats and commercial techno across India's top clubs. His latest role though is one he didn't rehearse for: coffee farmer in Coorg, Karnataka.

The actor-turned-planter who says the shift was less about business and more about belonging.

"For me, coffee was never just a business. It's something that's been close to my heart because of my family's connection to Coorg. Over the years, I fell in love with the whole process, the land, the people, the patience it takes, and the satisfaction of seeing something you've nurtured finally come to life. In an industry where everything moves so fast, my coffee plantation gives me a sense of peace. Whenever I'm there, I completely disconnect from the noise and reconnect with myself."

On lessons that travel between film sets and farms "One thing I've taken from film sets to the farm is discipline. Whether you're making a film or managing a plantation, nothing works without a good team and proper planning. And what the farm has given me in return is patience. In our profession, we always want quick results, a film to release, a show to do well, a project to happen. But farming teaches you that you can't rush nature. You do your work honestly, and then you wait. That lesson has made me a much calmer person, both professionally and personally."

On advice for actors eyeing farmland and farmers eyeing the camera: "I'd tell any actor that farming is not a weekend hobby. Don't get into it because it sounds glamorous or looks beautiful in photographs. Get into it only if you're ready to learn, get your hands dirty, and stay committed through the good and bad seasons. The rewards are incredible, but they're earned. And to a farmer who wants to become an actor, I'd say don't ever think your background is a disadvantage. In fact, it's your biggest strength. Farming teaches hard work, honesty, and resilience. Those qualities stay with you wherever you go, whether it's in front of a camera or anywhere else in life."

On balancing glamour with ground reality: "The entertainment industry has taught me to dream big, stay creative, and keep reinventing myself. Farming has taught me to stay grounded. The land doesn't care if you're an actor, a model, or a DJ. It only responds to the effort you put in. I think that's a beautiful reminder. One world gives me excitement, the other gives me balance. I genuinely feel lucky that I get to experience both."

On sustainable practices and leaving a legacy: "I believe we have a responsibility to take care of the land because we're only borrowing it from the next generation. I'm a big believer in sustainable farming. I support practices that protect the soil, conserve water, and work with nature instead of against it. At the end of the day, it's not just about producing great coffee. It's about respecting the environment, supporting the people who work with us, and making sure the plantation is healthier years from now than it is today. That's the kind of legacy I'd like to leave behind."