What does being the winner of GG entail?
It's a big responsibility, mainly because I am now the representative of a channel. They have elected me the winner based on certain criteria and I have to uphold every principle that the channel stands for. Like, for instance, I cannot be seen at a party, or an event creating a ruckus or anything like that -- it would reflect badly on the channel and the media would say things like "What kind of person has Channel V chosen as the winner of GG?" Today, whenever I introduce myself to anyone from the fashion industry, I always have to mention that I am the winner of GG and of course, I would never leave that out in the first place -- it's quite a big title to hold!
As the winner, I won a two-year modelling contract with modelling agency Elite and, of course, loads of publicity. A tri-partner contract exists between Channel V, Elite and myself -- I represent the channel, which tries to promote me as much as possible and the agency lands me assignments.
Do you feel pressure comes with your reputation as the GG winner whenever you embark upon a new assignment?
Definitely -- I never realised the intensity of the competition when I was doing it but then after the whole season aired on TV, there are people who recognise me in the street today. So there is pressure to conform to what I have been portrayed as on television. Because it was a reality show, however, I haven't been portrayed in a very different light -- my personality has shown throughout the competition.
When it comes to dressing up, I was initially into college fashion. St Xavier's is very fashion-oriented, but very differently so -- you'll see lots of kurtas, pyjamas, jholas and colourful dressing on campus. All this just doesn't work for the fashion industry. You can't dress like a hippie and launch a career as a model. So definitely, even when it comes to conduct and clothing and things like that, today there's a lot of pressure on how I look and present myself.
What do your parents have to say about your modelling career?
My parents have always been supportive of me, they really just want me to be happy in whatever I choose to do. But for them, education is an important issue and no matter how much they supported me throughout GG and even after it, they want me to finish college, after which I can do absolutely anything that I want. Once I have a degree in hand, then I can really take up modelling fulltime.
But you see, what is happening is, GG's Season Five will be coming very soon -- they'll kick off next May. Life as a GG winner is really short, so I have to make the most of this opportunity now. My parents didn't realise the intensity of it all till the contest was over and people started recongising me. Of course, they were really happy for me but they keep reminding me that my education is very important and I have to finish college. So it does become difficult for me to balance my career and my studies. I'm majoring in economics and its not really a simple subject! I have to really work hard this year -- my only two priorities at the moment are my education and my career.
What do you think helped you make it in the competition? What qualities would you say set you apart from the average wannabe model?
My attitude and approach to the competition was "Let me see how far I can get" rather than "I have to win this". My reason for entering into it was to boost my self-confidence and my faith in myself. Once I was in, I think -- I can't say for sure, of course -- but I think that it was my personality that came through to the jury members and boosted my chances. I wasn't too competitive. Of course, I was trying my best, but deep down inside of me, if I hadn't won, it wouldn't have been the end of my world. I wouldn't call myself laidback as such, but not so ambitious that I would cause a problem for anybody else. I'm a very chilled-out person and I don't like to fight. Also, everyone got very close to each other on the show and we were like family. I think that worked in my favour too.
Also read: An IIT gold medallist's success mantras
Advertisement
