‘Can you tell us why men cry?’

The road to fame was not an easy one. By the time Matt was doing his degree, he had decided to take up modelling as a serious career. Matt though realised that Mumbai was where all the big modelling breaks happened and since he had already finished a course in International Hospitality, he found a job in Mumbai. Once he reached there, he found that it was a case of survival of the fittest.

He reveals, “The Mumbai fashion world is insanely competitive! Every youngster focuses on modelling and is very cut throat. I did not realise it initially and did not have the budget for a proper portfolio so I made the round of designers asking for work. Every time an audition was held there were hundreds of models present; the scene was completely different from Kerala.’’

But Matt had one big ace up his sleeve thanks to his genes. He says,”My fair looks stood me in good stead; many people did not believe that I was a South Indian and many even questioned me about my fair looks which I think could be because of a Portuguese ancestor. My looks passed muster and found approval which was a big advantage.’’ Meanwhile he was also working at a hotel and though he found it tough to balance his long hours with sessions in the gym and modelling, he managed the gruelling pace.

The desire to reach higher prompted Matt to move to Dubai, again finding work as a host which he still does. The modelling scene in the international fashion hub was even tougher and Matt reveals, “I never expected to click there because you have a lot of International models. The Russians, Arabs and European models are very good looking and tall. Also there is a disparity in the payments based on the nationality so it is always better to approach through an agency like I did. I also learnt on the job with each modelling experience making me better regarding the poses and expressions’’. Modelling is one of the very few areas where female models hold the upper hand and Matt says, “Yes, offers that male models get are lesser as compared to female models but that is because most of the brands are for women. But there is a gradual change in the trend though there is a huge difference in the payment too. Abroad there is more equality because modelling offers come through agencies.’’

Matt does have Mollywod tinsel dreams but his answer surprises, “I could have got into films if I wanted to but I want to debut in a villain’s role. I am not interested in playing the hero.” Before he concludes Matt quips, “Yes, I do cry when I am emotionally charged.”