Backwater babes no more, Lucknow gals know how to launch a thousand adverts and step into diva-dom with aplomb... And, they’ve got support from family and friends too.
Rakshanda, a Lalbagh Girls’ passout, was Miss UP 2004 and is brand ambassador for Rone Mol. This Cancerian was inspired by her mother to get an international portfolio and step into the glitz and glamour of the modelling world.
“Yes, Lucknow is limited in terms of scope but then, I will soon shift to New Delhi,” she says.
Anjana wouldn’t agree more. She says, “I love travelling and have modelled for India Today, Matrix, Khadi, Equi Collection, Oriflame etc. I am sure I will make it big in the modelling world.” Anjana was Sunsilk Beautiful Hair-1999, and is all set to go to Mumbai.
Then, there is Romil Srivastava. Popularly known as ‘Dancing Diva’, after winning the coveted title in the Miss India pageant this year, the Lucknowite is into ramp modelling, print ads, compering and anchoring. She has her hands full with assignments. Presently based in New Delhi, she plans to shift to Mumbai for more work. “Two years down the line I want to see myself doing big shows, anchoring on the small screen and TV commercials.” Romil got her portfolio done by ace-photographer Dabbu Ratnani. Her career started after she won the Miss Lucknow title then became an anchor in ETV. She joined Elite as a model. Then came her big break with her making it to the top 18 in Miss India.
Sadhana is into stage shows, plays and TV serials. There’s also Amrita who has modelled for Cinny Fan, Mahavir Fertilizer and is into ramp shows.
{{/usCountry}}Sadhana is into stage shows, plays and TV serials. There’s also Amrita who has modelled for Cinny Fan, Mahavir Fertilizer and is into ramp shows.
{{/usCountry}}In a city that did not have the facility to shoot even a presentable portfolio till ten years ago, there is today the entire gamut of lensmen who could hand you a world-class photo-set, institutes that groom you and teach you the nuances of modeling and even coordinators who could get you some assignments. But sadly, it is the opportunity that is missing. All the assignments are either in Mumbai or in Delhi.
No wonder, girls who took it up as a career in the right earnest, never looked back. Take for example Khushboo, who started in 2003 after she clinched the crown in a beauty contest. Prize assignments like campaign for Whirlpool followed and now she is looking for inroads into the film industry.
All the scary stories about the big bad world of glamour notwithstanding, as the arclights continue to beckon girls from small-town Lucknow, there’s surely still no biz like showbiz.