Winner’s Passion: Modeling

| “I think one of the secrets to modeling is the less you care and the more you’re yourself, the more successful you are” – Daria Werbowy |

I ventured into modeling during my college days. I got inspired by some of the models who were already there in my college. It all started in Mumbai only. In the 80s and 90s, people were not really into modeling as they are nowadays. People were not very eager or open to the idea. But I used to go to college annual shows, meet models out there and work with them.

One of my cousin brothers used to stay near Juhu beach. He was a rich guy and quite often got opportunities to meet Amitabh Bachchan, Dilip Kumar, Manoj Kumar, Suresh Oberoi and other film personalities. He used to inspire me a lot. I got a lifetime opportunity to meet with some of the noted film personalities like Suresh Oberoi amongst others. That’s how I felt the urge to do something in the field of modeling as I always believed it is the first door to acting.

I interacted with a few models in Bombay Central, Lower Parel, Ghatkopar and other places in South Mumbai. Whenever I went for a practice modeling session at annual functions, they used to guide me on how to walk, how to look up, how to perform in the main events, etc.

Among the male actors, I was influenced by Amitabh Bach- chan, Salman Khan and Aamir Khan. Among the female models, Sonali Bendre and Aishwarya Rai were my sources of inspiration. Especially, I liked Aamir Khan’s acting in ‘Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak’ and Salman Khan’s ‘Maine Pyar Kiya’ movies. As a model, you have to constantly maintain your physique and follow a certain fitness plan. I was extremely impressed by the manner in which both Salman and Aamir build their physique and have been regularly doing workouts even in their 50s. This is reflected in their hit movies.

The future of modeling, in general, is very bright. Earlier, there were very few models. However, these days, the maturity levels are high, exposure is more, and large numbers of institutions are available. At the same time, the market is very competitive. Nowadays, almost everyone wants to take up modeling as a career and enter the film industry. People want name and fame more these days. For example, while pursuing a modeling career, if you become Miss India or Miss World, within 24 hours, the entire country or the world gets to know you. Further, you get to meet the Prime Minister and top national and international personalities as well as get opportunities to travel around the world. You become a global name and thus, it opens a completely new door for you.

Personally, I am still like to be passionate about modeling, maintain my health and fitness by doing yoga, walking, and several other physical activities.