Strut your stuff

You are just 20, standing under the spotlight, wearing incredibly expensive clothes, earning what others your age cannot even dream of. You’re in a car, you look out of the window, and lock eyes with yourself — or with your image, smiling down from a billboard. Such is life in modelling, a profession that begins early, ends within about a decade and leaves you with enough cash and contacts to launch a second career. That is, if you have the guts and persistence to stick it out, can take the knocks and keep your eyes firmly fixed on success.

For these are the most important qualifications to be a model. This career needs no particular academic aptitude but requires more professionalism and mental strength than many regular jobs.

While getting started, your face, body and height will decide how successful you will be on the runway or in print or TV commercials. But you do need the brains, too — this being a shortlived career, veterans suggest you keep studying through part-time courses and distance learning.

With almost each major city in India now hosting its own fashion week, the opportunity in this profession is huge. Accordingly, the bar has been lowered for physical requirements.

Model-turned-MC Ramneek Pantal says, “When I started 10 years ago, the minimum height for a female model for the runway was five-foot-seven or -eight. These days, you can spot even five-foot-five models on the runway.”

“Basically, an individual should have a good face and toned body, and your skin and hair should be in good health. Height doesn’t matter (so much) these days,” says former model Mehar Bhasin, who now runs her own grooming academy. “If you are tall, you can do catwalk shows; if you are too short for the runway, then you can go for print and (TV) commercials.”

The next step for many models is a beauty pageant and then films. What started with Sushmita Sen and Aishwarya Rai is still a sought-after route — going for the Miss India contest, winning the crown (or at least, a crown), and then becoming an actress, as exemplified by Sush and Ash and Lara Dutta. Katrina Kaif, too, began working as a model before making it big.

Stardom is a rare thing, but plenty of other doors can open for a model. Pantal suggests, “One can diversify into fashion show choreography, make-up, model co-ordination, or even become an MC (Master of Ceremonies, i.e. an event host).” You can turn your interests into a full-time profession even while you are modelling — opening a restaurant or spa; writing for a fashion glossy; styling for movie stars. Some models in the West pick up tips from the designers they work with and do collections for major stores, like Kate Moss for Topshop.

There is darkness away from the strobe lights, too. Sometimes models are not paid on time or do not get to eat properly on assignments; people can be really blunt and ask ‘for favours’. A single kilo of extra weight can mean a big job lost. Some fellow models can be as nasty as others are friendly. But if you can keep distractions at bay, this is a rainbow worth chasing.

 

Author: Shweta Jain

Date: 30th Dec., 2009

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