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Model recipe: Dine before prime time
Born in an orthodox family based at Mauritius, runway star Viveka Babajee went on to do the Kamasutra commercial, while Shonal Rawat, the lithe model from Kolkata, was an aspiring cardiologist.
Born in an orthodox family based at Mauritius, runway star Viveka Babajee went on to do the Kamasutra commercial, while Shonal Rawat, the lithe model from Kolkata, was an aspiring cardiologist. Also, Mumbai’s favourite party girl Binal Trivedi just wants to have fun as a model.
The leading ladies of the Indian modelling world admit they still get butterflies in the stomach every time the spotlight is turned on them. Interestingly, all three have their own unique reasons to take up modelling: "I just wanted to make enough money to go to USA and I realised that modelling assignments pay well. Six years and several trips to the United States later, I’m addicted to the profession," says Trivedi.
Rawat took two shots at becoming a cardiologist, moved on to dentistry and then left it mid-way to pursue a ramp career. At 5 feet ten inches, she is one of the tallest models in the country today. "Modelling is fun but I also run Stairways, an event management company that I launched three years back. Believe it or not, I was a plump kid who wanted to prove a point by walking the ramp," adds Rawat.
Early in life, Babajee realised that she was destined to be part of the world of glamour. "The adulation that I receive from the fans is my biggest high," says Babajee. The ramp queens know their mind and are preparing to pack a punch at the LIFW 2004.
Viveka Babajee
Inspiration: My mom Dayawanti, the wind beneath my wings
Indulgence: Travel, I’ve been to Sicily in Italy, Tibet, Austria and the romantic Venice
Diet Fundas: Don’t eat after 7.00 p.m. as the body gets little or no time for digestion. My breakfast comprises four boiled eggs, a banana and milk. Lunch is boiled vegetables or potato and melon juice. Dinner is at 6.30 sharp. I cook myself and savour dal, prawns and fish without roti or rice.
Binal Trivedi
Inspiration: My friend Diandra Soares
Indulgence: My hair: I’ve cut it short, worn it long, sported the tonsured look and coloured it pink, red and blonde.
Best Ramp Experience: When Diandra and I kissed at Aki Narula’s show at the fashion week last year
Worst Ramp Experience: Last year I tripped at a show when I could not see the end of the ramp
Diet Fundas: Breakfast is fruits and toast. Lunch includes dal, boiled vegetables, roti or rice. Dinner is just soup and salad and it has to be eaten before 7.30 pm.
Shonal Rawat
Inspiration: Disciplined models like Jesse Randhawa and Nina Manuel
Indulgence: A vacation in the hills
Best Ramp Experience: When I was selected for LIFW 2003
Worst Ramp Experience: When I tripped in Kuala Lumpur at the Lubna Adams show last year
Diet Fundas: Breakfast is Muesli and milk, lunch is karela, dal and roti. I dine before 7.30 p.m. with soup and a salad without dressing.