ModelSpeak: I used to feel that established models are very snooty and will give you a hard time

Says Jantee Hazarika about what she thought of the people in a career she chose but models like Carol Gracias, Archana Akhil Kumar and Candice Pinto completely changed her perceptions...

Photograph: Uttam Ghosh/Rediff.com

Hometown: Guwahati, Assam
Education: Fashion designing, Vogue University of Fashion 
Age: 21
Height: 5 ft 8 in
Weight : 48 kg

How did you enter modelling? Tell us about your first break.

I always wanted to be a model so I auditioned for Miss India in 2014 and I was among the top 10.

I had no formal training and learned everything on my own.

I came to Bangalore and joined Prasad Bidappa’s agency.

I got to walk the Colombo Resort Week 2014 and the same year I ended up second runner up for Grazia cover girl.

I auditioned for Lakme this year and got selected. This is my first season with Lakme.

What was the greatest myth about the profession you had when you entered it?

I used to feel that established models are very snooty and will give you a hard time.

But when I started working, I realised that it’s hardly the case.

I have worked with Carol (Gracias), Archana Akhil Kumar and Candice Pinto and I find that they are very helpful and friendly to newcomers.

What’s your advice to aspirants who want to make a mark in this profession?

You must have a passion for the ramp to be able to stick here for long. Else you will fade out.

The choreographers and designers may get upset and scream at you. You have to be mentally strong and understand that you owe it to them.

How do you motivate yourself?

The ramp is what drives me. I love the photo shoots and the exposure I get from the shows.

What do you dislike about the profession?

The after party -- after a hard day at work, you are so exhausted that you just want to go home and relax. But you are expected to socialise and attend these parties. If you don’t go, you don’t network so whether you like it or not, you have to attend such parties.