Model mantras from a winner

A photographer can make or break you career as a model. So, invest in a professional photographer, says Hrishant Goswami.

At 23, Delhi boy Hrishant Goswami may not have achieved what he set out to be: a basketball pro like Michael Jordan but he did manage to win the Gladrags Manhunt 2004 contest. The spunky model with Bollywood dreams tells us how to become a model:

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Grooming: Your looks, hair and physique define you. First impression always matters for any modelling assignment, so get your walk and talk right. My cousin Vidhyut Jamwal tried for Gladrags the year before, so he gave me useful tips. Friends like Rajneesh Duggal (Mr India 2003) also helped.

Workout: Get a personal trainer. Wrong exercises can ruin your body. I do a mix of cardio and weight training.

Portfolio: A photographer can make or break you career, so invest in a professional photographer who can also help you develop contacts.

Read A Lot: Read the newspapers, and books like Who Moved My Cheese? (Dr Spencer Johnson), and the autobiography of male supermodel Marcus Schenkenberg.

Back-Up Plan: I have my own marketing business that will stand me if I don’t make it. But then, don’t go about thinking you won’t make it!

Healthy Lifestyle: Shun smoking or drinking. Also, workout two hour daily, six days a week. Go for less carbohydrates and avoid proteins.

Eating Schedule: Breakfast comprises of Miyoplex (a meal replacement) with 10 egg whites. Two and half hours later I go for salad and brown bread sandwich. After two hours I have a protein shake with sweet potato. For dinner 1 kg of chicken (boiled or fried in little oil) is great. I avoid bread and rice but have cabbage.

Male Models: They get paid lesser and have less work. Not many designers work on male fashion. We are also often asked to foot our airfare and sort out accommodation.