As far as criticism in the industry is concerned, it goes with the territory. People are going to criticise you -- from makeup artists to models to designers, millions of people will say a million things about you. I think in today's world in order for people to like you, you have to be confident of yourself and in this inudstry, of your looks. You could be the ugliest person on the face of the earth (physically, I mean), but if you're confident of yourself and the way you look, that confidence will shine through, people will see it. So you can either let criticism in one ear and out the other, or keep it within you and allow it to rot your system. You have to be able to tell the difference between criticism that is for your own good and criticism you should ignore.

What do you think is the most common mistake newcomers make when they start out in the industry as models? Also, what tips do you have for them in regards to making it?
You have to be professional when you start out in this industry -- that's something everyone is looking for. You cannot be giggly and foolish, you have to conduct yourself well. I haven't really interacted with too many other models, but I have seen this happen. Today, models are getting into the industry very young -- at 17, 18, 19 years of age. You have to realise that you're dealing with people much older than you and you have to behave mature. Be smart, be focused, know what you want. Although the career is glamorous and full of social obligations, you have to be professional.

Moreover, you should be confident. You may be new to the industry, but if you show poise and confidence, you will definitely get noticed.

Even though you're only 19, you've come a long way in a short span of time. What dreams remain to be realised, career-wise?
Oh, lots! I want to do campaigns, print fashion, everything. I'd love to do television commercials too, but I'm not sure how good I'd be at that. I haven't achieved even half of what the Indian supermodels of today have -- they do every second show! As a model, I definitely want offers to keep coming in, for work to be flowing continuously, for assignments from good brand names. As a model, there's nothing better than well-known brands or designers approaching you to shoot for their collections.

Do you have any mentor in the fashion industry? Anyone to help steer your career in the right direction?
I leaped into this industry very quickly because of GG, so the guiding people behind me are Channel V and my agency. Elite is definitely pushing for me to succeed -- Sushma Puri, the head of Elite, has a big role to play in my career. She is very supportive, very helpful, everything any model could ask for in terms of a guide. She knows what you're cut out for, what kind of work you should be doing.