With the number of new fashion weeks cropping up each year, the fashion industry is clearly pacing rapidly and has no dearth of investors who are willing to spend big.
With the recently organized Lakme Fashion Week, the season of fashion shows has officially begun and what follows for the models is a string of opportunities to gain exposure and a considerable income.
But what really is it like being a model in India? EE caught up with
Sony Kaur, Sheela Tiruchi, Parul Duggal, Aakshi Khari and Pooja Bhamrah who are often termed as the “next big thing” in the fashion industry today. These women spoke exclusively to EE and shared their experiences.
“I had actually never given so much thought into becoming a model”, says
Parul Duggal. Born and brought up in Bhopal, Parul was a runner up in Miss India Universe and has also represented India internationally.
“I actually went to Delhi to pursue my course in fashion design and there I was spotted by a fashion choreographer who encouraged me to walk the ramp. After initial hesitation I agreed as it was a good way to earn some extra pocket money but after walking the ramp for Lakme Fashion Week where I was among the top 5 models and was heavily applauded by judges I decided to participate in I Am She”. When asked upon how do such fashion shows provide a platform for young women? Parul responds by saying that these events are the best way to get noticed. “I do not want to pursue acting for now as I am having an amazing experience here. There are institute fashion shows coming up next where I will be walking the ramp again and apart from that I have my own business that keeps me busy”, says Parul as she discusses her future plans.
Sony Kaur, born and brought up in Hyderabad, is also one of the major upcoming names in the fashion industry today who recently walked the ramp for Lakme Fashion Week. “For me modeling happened in college as my friend’s sister was a model and they needed one more for a show and the money offered was good. Today I have more than 5 years of experience in the industry and the profession gets more exciting with every passing day”-says Sony when asked about the start of her career.
But is there a piece of advice that she would love to share with all the aspiring models? Sony says- “Just be confident about your looks and carry what you wear. Also, do not think too much and have immense confidence in yourself.” Sony will next been seen walking the ramp for the Amazon India Fashion Week scheduled to start today.
Sheela Tiruchi an Indian origin model was born and brought up in Germany and moved to India to be a dance choreographer. “I was modeling in Germany too but when I moved to India my main focus was to become a choreographer but then modeling just sort of happened.”
So what are the major differences between the models in India and Germany? Sheela responds by saying-“In India, we as models need to have a lot of face value as that matters a lot here. But in Germany you need to be very skinny, be at least 5’11 inches of height and need to have a lot of attitude in your walk. Looks are not that important there as the models are not very pretty.”
Speaking on the challenges for a model in the Indian fashion industry Sheela says,”It is very easy to get it touch with people here but sustaining yourself in the market is very difficult as new models are coming up every day. I feel it’s a very safe profession for girls to be in contrary to the myths prevailing.”
Pooja Bhamra, an actor and model, who stormed the audience recently with her walk at the Lakme Fashion Week did not have a conventional start to her modeling career. “I always wanted to participate in Miss India but as I belong to a protected family my parents always refused. So being an obedient kid I continued my engineering and was preparing for MBA when I participated in Miss Queen pageant that I eventually won.”
“Today you have to be bold and standout among the rest to sustain in the industry. If I was to give an advice to young models I would say come prepared and don’t be disappointed with rejections as preparation and patience are the key words to survive here” -says Pooja as she completes her stance.
Aakshi Khari who was born and brought up in Delhi has established herself as the one of the most versatile models of her time as she walked for all major fashion weeks of the country today.
“I started my career as a model when I was 21 at a show in Panipath. Though the show was not of a huge magnitude by my circumstances had me walking the ramp for money. Even when I was in Delhi I regularly visited Malviya Nagar to search for photographers and models but after 6 months of struggle there I moved to Mumbai and decided to establish myself here”- says Aakshi when asked upon her choice of modeling as a career.
“In Mumbai, I met Achala Sachdev, Shakhir Sheikh and Utsav Dholakia who became my mentors and taught me everything about the industry from scratch.”- she completes.
When asked to give a piece of advice to the aspiring models Askshi says- “Don’t believe in anyone randomly and always remember to be yourself as it will go a long way in helping you.”
