NOT JUST GLAMOUR AND GLITZ

Challenges are aplenty for models. The constant threat of being replaced by a younger face being one of them. ?We find out more about the reality of the fashion world

Leading a glamourous life isn’t as easy it sounds, more so for the fashion models whose source of income depends on their looks. During the time of Arjun Rampal and Milind Soman, who were the last supermodels, competition was negligible.

But no less cut-throat. The lure of the glamour world has always existed, youngsters influenced by what they see who are willing to go to any lengths to belong to this industry. But this kind of herd mentality definitely poses a challenge.

One needs to start early in this field in order to secure a spot in the top few or for that matter, get noticed even. Seasoned experts however advise that it is always wise to have a back-up profession as this is usually short-lived. But unfortunately not many youngsters realise that and become models tempted by the hype and fame that surrounds this profession.

Rahul Dev Shetty, former model turned choreographer has been there and done that. He tells us more about his previous line of work,”Competition, getting the right break, doing the right jobs, invest it and then what?. This question mark is one of the biggest challenges that a model faces.”

But competition comes second only to the short shelf-life, opines model Arry Dabas. Arry was introduced to the industry by Prasad Bidapa, whom he holds in the highest light. He says, “There is lot of competition, the casting couch exists here, the compensation is less and the modelling career as such is a short-lived one.” Arry at present is looking to get into films and has already started his search for the right opportunity.

While acting in films is a natural progression for many, some like to have their education in place before starting their career. The likes of Tony Lukeand Sahil Shroff are such examples, Tony in fact has a very interesting take on the whole issue. He says, “A lot of challenges exist and you probably must have heard of them all. It’s like a computer virus. They keep coming and there are more where they come from.”

Remaining in the industry without being carried away by distractions that the profession brings, is a tough job. Not many are there whocan handle the pressures of this kind of hectic life. Staying grounded is important.

 Model Faith Pandey knows it only too well,she says,”Modelling is a profession which is based largely on demeanour. And if you don’t have a firm head on your shoulders, there are chances that one might find oneself carried away by the fame and be caught up in the emptiness of vanity.”

Apart from taking care of one’s face, staying fit and in shape is a must for every model and it pays in the industry to have a good body. “You always have to be well-groomed and fit.

 Sporting new looks every season is what gets the clients’ attention and you have to deliver to knock off the monotony,” says Zoheb Yousuf, a model.Coping with the stress is also another challenge in the industry, keeping up with the hectic schedule and demanding profession is not too easy.

Category: Fashion