They make it seem like it’s easy and many just assume that all models do is pose for photos and walk the ramp. But modelling, especially if it’s part time, is much more than that and can often leave you with very, very hectic weeks.
Upcoming models have to juggle their studies, exams and sometimes even second jobs and it becomes quite difficult. However, city models in their teens and early 20s are taking all of this in their stride.
Take for example Monika Thangalapalli who won the Miss Hyderabad 2014 title. The 21 year old is currently in Mumbai for the Lakme Fashion week. During a break between practice sessions, she says, “Being a part of the Fashion Week feels surreal. It’s always been a dream of mine and I’m happy that I’m here right now.” About managing her studies and modeling assignments, she says, “I love studying, so when I have my exams I make it a point not to take up any assignments.”
Panchami Rao, a popular model from the city, who has walked the ramp for designers like Shantanu and Nikhil and Ritu Kumar, says that “Sometimes you have to let go of projects”. “I really wanted to go for the Lakme Fashion Week in Mumbai, but I have my exams, so I can’t do anything. There is absolutely no time to take up any assignment. I’ve learnt to let it go.” she smiles. In case of Panchami, it’s not just her family but her professors who play a big role too, “They remind me about my projects in advance and give me the deadlines so that I can plan my shoots so that they don’t clash with my studies.”
While most of these models ensure that their studies are not hampered due to their assignments, there are some who have to juggle between work and modeling and it does require some amount of sacrifice. Local model Debarati Das says, “I work at an IT company so my job requires me to stay here for nine to 10 hours; during this time I have no option but to stay at work. I make up for lost time after my office hours.” “I stay alone in Hyderabad and my family knows I’m very busy. I sometimes work on weekends too, and this means that I don’t get to hang out with my friends often, but they understand that this is my passion,” she concludes.
While it is no easy task to juggle work as well as exams, local model Jaya Vishwanathan, who was one of the finalists in the Miss Hyderabad pageant, is doing much more. “I also work as a Public Relations executive. Sometimes it gets crazy, but I have always organised my work in advance.,” says the 19 year old, adding, “There have been times where I have had to choose between work, my studies and modelling . And I choose modelling because it has always been my passion.” Jaya is studying Engineering and Information Technology, from MGIT. Fortunately, for most models like Jaya, their parents are very supportive. “My mother understands that I love modelling and she wants me to pursue what I love. So if I ever have to choose between modelling and studies and I pick modelling, she will understand.”
