Lithe beauty yearns to rule the ramp

At five feet eleven, Shonal Rawat is one of the tallest models around. But beneath that sexy exterior is a strong mind. An aspiring cardiologist, Rawat instead got into dentistry which she wasn't interested in. "I come from a Civil Services background. Modelling was never my ambition," says Rawat.

At five feet eleven, Shonal Rawat is one of the tallest models around. But beneath that sexy exterior is a strong mind. An aspiring cardiologist, Rawat instead got into dentistry which she wasn't interested in. "I come from a Civil Services background (her father is the DIG Enforcement in Kolkata). Modelling was never my ambition and I was a happy, plump child," says Rawat.

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After walking the ramp in Kolkata for two years Rawat shifted to Mumbai three months back. Gearing up for her debut at the Lakme India Fashion Week, Rawat is disillusioned with the fashion world. "There is a whole lot of undercutting," she laments.

Rawat says models are so desperate for exposure that they are willing to do music videos for free. "I got an offer from Sanjay Leela Bhansali for Baji Rao but opted out because at the moment my priority is the ramp. I'll think of Bollywood after I establish myself here."

The graduate in Chemistry from St Xavier's also runs Stairways, an event management company she launched two years back. "I hope to work behind the camera soon and complete my Mass Communication from the Mudra Institute, Ahmedabad," says Rawat.

Hoping to make a splash on the ramp, Rawat's parting shot is witty, quite like her: "Most models are dying to get into films, but for me the height will be a problem. As most of the heroes are… need I say more!"