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Strut your stuff the right way
Being a model is not just glamorous in itself but this could also be your ticket to a bigger league. Shweta Jain tells more.
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.
What's it about?
Modelling can mean walking the runway for designers, doing TV and print ads, working for magazine photo shoots or a combination of all of these. Usually, the taller you are, the better your chances of finding work as a runway model. Good skin and hair, sharp features and a toned body are the pre-requisites along with a lot of stamina.
There is no one look that works always, so be ready to reinvent yourself
Clock Work
6 am: Go to the gym, or do an hour’s yoga or jogging
9 am: Breakfast
10 am: Leave for fitting sessions with designers
Noon: lunch
2 pm: Rehearse for a fashion show
6 pm: Make-up and hair styling session
8 pm: Fashion show begins
11.30 pm: Get back home or get ready for an after-show party Working days change
according to appointments and shoots or shows
The Payoff
As a beginner, a model makes about Rs 4,000-6,000 per show or shoot. After three to four years in the field, one might get Rs 30,000-40,000 per show. Work in TV commercials pays Rs 10,000-20,000 per day
Skills
. Hassle-free attitude. You should be able to wear both a sari and a bikini with ease
. A confident gait
. Good public relations
. Basic knowledge of make-up/camera/trends
. Drive to stay super-fit
How do i get there?
Contact a good modelling agency or a fashion photographer to get your portfolio made. Most good photographers charge Rs 20,000 or more for a professional portfolio. Once it is done, send it to as many modelling and advertisement agencies as you can. Fashion week auditions and smaller ramp shows are the places where you might get a good break. So, keep an eye out for auditions
Institutes & urls
. Glitz Modelling, Delhi
www.glitzmodelling.in
. The Elite School, Delhi
http://www.elitemodelsindia.com/index.asp
. Padmini Kolhapure School for Acting, Modelling and Grooming 29, Hauz Khas
Village, Delhi
. The Meyhar Bhasin Academy E-186, GK I, Delhi Tel: 26292201/02/03
http://meharbhasin.com
Pros & Cons
. You get to wear the best clothes and get paid to look good
. You travel around the world and stay in the best hotels
. People might promise you a fat fee for a show and then renege on the deal
. You have to fend off a lot of unwanted admirers
. Very hectic schedule for days on end
Diverse looks can get you work
The head of a top modelling agency busts the myth that all models must look a certain way
How does a grooming school help a wannabe model?
Though your innate talent helps you make it, grooming schools play an important role in polishing this raw talent. How to walk, talk and be confident is something that comes with practice.
These schools also help you meet the right industry people. On leaving the school, students are confident enough to face the camera or walk the runway.
What are the things taught?
A good modelling and grooming school takes aspirants through various modules, aiming to prepare them for the world they are about to enter. At our school, we offer training in runway walking, acting, hair and make-up, dance, fitness, personality development and photo posing.
How does a model spend her/his day?
On the day of a shoot, a model would probably have to get up at 4 am to catch a 6 am flight. On reaching the location, the model would have to immediately go in for hair and make-up prior to the shoot. A full-day shoot can go on for 8-10 hours, sometimes even longer, just to get a few great pictures.
What do agencies look for in a model?
To become a ramp model, the most important factors are height, a toned and well-proportioned body and attitude.
Models doing advertising work need to be expressive and photogenic, but very diverse kinds of looks can work for print and TV commercials. The myths that you have to be fair or super-slim or very tall are just that — myths.
Sushma Puri, director & CEO, Elite Model Management India Interviewed by Shweta Jain
