"Virat is fabulous," says 27-year old model Ritu Chauhan from New Delhi... but that doesn't make her think of dating her favourite cricketer.
Speaking to Tista Sengupta/Rediff.com, Ritu throws light on her journey into modelling and how she thinks couples should work hand-in-hand.
A fresh face at the Lakme Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2016, Ritu has easily bagged 15 shows this season.
Photograph: Rajesh Karkera/Rediff.com
How did modelling happen?
I was studying fashion designing at JD Institute of Fashion Technology, New Delhi. After completing my course I was working as a freelance designer and also did intern with designers Priya Jain and Neeta Bhargava in New Delhi for a couple of years. In 2014, a model agency spotted me and I did my first shoot with Harper's Bazaar magazine. Right after, I did print shoots for magazines like Grazia, L'officiel, Elle, Lookbook for Lacoste France and brand Puma.
I moved to Mumbai permanently just five months back and I am currently with Inega (a modelling agency).
I have worked with Amazon India Fashion Week earlier but was never a mainstream model. I walked for just a couple a shows then. Now at Lakme Fashion Week, I am walking for a lot of shows.
How do you stay so fit?
I eat healthy. I prefer eating home-cooked food most of the times. And I cook my own food. During fashion weeks, you get to eat meals here.
I do free-hand training at home and sometimes I go for a short run. I think I am blessed with good genes :)
Tell us about your diet...
I start my day with a lot of water -- at least a litre of it. Later I eat eggs (with the yolk) and fruits (I love apple and dry fruits).
Honestly, I eat everything that I cook. I fry my food, boil it and even prepare a salad. I like fish and chicken, but I don't like the taste of red meat. I even have ghee everyday. I mix it in my lentils.
I never starve myself.
So what do you eat on your cheat day?
I eat chocolates and cakes. I love strawberry cake the most!
Your favourite designers...
I like Bodice because the ensembles are very clean and have simple fits... and that's what I relate myself to. I really like the label ASA as they too are into comfort clothing.
I like Manish Arora because his work is bright and quirky. Manish Malhotra is also one of my favorites. I currently walked for him on the LFW's opening show that happened a couple of days back.
In fact I walked for him prior to LFW at a cancer fund raiser event 'Caring with Style'.
Personal style...
It's all about being comfy -- like a loose dress with a pair of sneakers or a comfortable tee with a pair of denims.
Advice to aspiring models...
Stay calm. Stay focused
Remember you can't be a supermodel in a day. It takes time
Everyday is a learning day.
Best part of modeling...
You get a lot of exposure and people notice you. It's fun and a great feeling to walk for big designers.
Favourite travel destination...
I want to take a trip to Europe. I have already been to Doha, London, Thailand and Sri Lanka. And in the coming month I will be taking a break and will be off to Bali.
The movie Ki & Ka (starring Kareena Kapoor Khan and Arjun Kapoor) is based on house husbands. What do you think about it?
Well, I will never date a person who would become a house husband. A couple should go for their respective jobs and also do household chores together. They should be independent.
T20 World Cup is on. Your favourite cricketer...
Virat Kohli :)
He (Virat) is fabulous and playing so well.
Would you want to date him?
I wouldn't date Virat Kohli, even though he is my favourite and is single.
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