Who do you think is India's leading model today and why? How has she inspired you and your career?
My two favourite models are Sheetal Malhar and Carol Gracias. There's something about them when they're on the ramp. Moreover, I've met both of them and they are so sweet, so interactive -- lovely, genuine people.
And that counts for a lot in this industry, which is definitely catty and works on favouritism -- if you're liked by someone who matters, you'll make it. Even among models themselves -- I've never been at the receiving end of cattiness, but at the end of the day, you have to understand that one model landing an assignment means that another one is missing out on it. We're all competing against each other even if we're the best of friends.
Two other models I really like are Laxmi Menon (even though I haven't met her) and Neha Kapoor, one of the GG jury members -- they're both simply gorgeous.
How has your career impacted your personal life? Do you feel like you've had to sacrifice a few personal pleasures in favour of modelling, or are you a workaholic who thrives under pressure?
I don't really thrive under pressure -- I've always been a more relaxed kind of person who loves to spend time with friends and that's reduced, because I'm busy most days from morning to evening. That's one of the biggest drawbacks of my career, because today the individual I am is because of the people I've known and I can't spend much time with them, nor with my family. Another thing that hurts is that Zephyr, my band, has taken a backseat ever since GG -- music is my absolute passion and we've been playing local gigs and college events for the last five years. In fact, we won Channel V's 'Launchpad' two years ago -- Channel V has been very lucky for me, in that way!
How do you cope with stress?
I'm very emotional and very bad at dealing with stress. The smallest of things affect me and I cope with pressure by crying! It’s a release for me, of sorts. I also enjoy chilling with friends -- that helps me cope with pressure too.
How do you stay fit? Do you have any fitness secrets you could share with our readers?
Eat healthy, don't do anything that could harm your body. Be active, don't be a couch potato and sit at home -- if there's a reason for you to get up and get out of the house, get to it. I don't eat too healthy, but I have a very high basal metabolic rate. I can eat 100 grams of butter in one sitting, which people find ridiculous! But I think the reason I don't put on weight is because I'm a hyperactive person, I'm always out and about, going someplace, doing something, meeting people.
I don't visit the gym, but it's definitely a good habit. It's a great way of keeping fit -- a routine amount of time for you to take care of yourself. I have college and stuff and I don't really have the time. But for people who are working on a set schedule, it's the best thing.
Also read: 'How I founded my own company at 26'
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