Meet model Archana Akhil Kumar at Lakme Fashion Week

A commerce graduate from Bangalore University, model Archana Akhil Kumar is into her fifth season at the Lakme Fashion Week. On the ramp she is all confidence and personality. Off the ramp she is cool, relaxed and garrulous. Rediff.com caught with this confident lass who spoke about friendship, being sexy, her hometown and success tips for being successful on the ramp.

What brings you to Lakme Fashion Week?

Fashion is my passion. This is my fifth season at Lakme.

Describe yourself...

I am a fun-loving person. I love meeting people, I love going out, I love nature and animals and I love making a lot of friends.

So, who was the last friend you made?

Now, I am making friends with you. Humour apart everybody who I meet I end up making a friend.

Your first modelling assignment...

It was in Kerala. It was for a jewellery show in 2008.

How long have you been modelling?

In Mumbai it has been a year and half now. In Bangalore I did modeling for two years.

Two good things about Bangalore...

Bangalore is a beautiful city. Though it is called a 'garden city' it is no more so since they started building the metro. It has its advantages and disadvantages but I still love my hometown. Even if I am busy doing assignments in here in Mumbai I make it a point to go to Bangalore once in two months for ten days, relax and come back.

Your best modelling assignment...

It was when I went to Shanghai to take part in the Elite Look of the Year in 2011 and was selected among the top 10 models around the world.

Your worst modelling assignment...

I don't think I have any worst memories of modeling. Each one is a learning experience.

What was your parents' reaction when you told them about it?

My parents were always very supportive because they knew I have my head on my shoulders. I started doing modeling alongside my education and they were confident of what I was doing.

The good, the bad and the ugly of the fashion world...

It's chaotic. It's a lot of stress. That's the bad thing I can say. But the good thing is at the end of the show the amount of happiness one gains is the best feeling to get.

How do you maintain your figure?

Workout, run, cardio, exercise, yoga etc.

Sexiest bachelor...

Oh my God! I can't think of any.

Sexiest married man...

I really don't know what to say. There are so many but each one is so unique.

Sexy to you is...

How you carry yourself. Your personality brings out your sexiness.

So, who is the sexiest married man according to you?

I like Johnny Depp.

Give us good make-up tips...

Hydrate your skin, drink lots of water, try to detoxify your body; drink lot of lemon and use moisturiser.

How does your day begin and end on a given fashion week day?

We report in the morning as per our call time. Then we start up with our make-up, do hair, and get into choreography, finish the show and then get into the next look with our make-up, do hair, and get into choreography, finish the show and then get into the next look...

Is this what you mean by saying modelling is chaotic...

Yes. Fashion weeks are chaotic. Individual shows are much more relaxed and calmer.

How secure do you feel in the world of fashion?

Again, it depends on one's thinking. I am confident, not over-confident. So, I feel pretty sort out right now.

Five things one needs to become a successful fashion model...

If I can club all five things – whatever they are into one – together then the two things are: lot of personality and confidence.

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