Setting the ramp on fire

Foreign models are full of compliments for their Indian counterparts. They feel Indian women not only have good bodies but also the grace to carry off the clothes wherever they go, be it on the streets or on the ramp.

Most of these foreign models come from countries like Iran, Iraq, Russia, Argentina and Ukraine. The models from Iran and Iraq say their societies are very conservative and people aren’t too open to the idea of women baring their skin.

It is the freedom in India that these models cherish. They say people here are warm and receptive to outsiders. They also feel the work profile is better here and there’s a decent amount of work. Ava, who is from Iran, says that women in her country are not allowed to step outside without a burkha and they don’t know what it is like to enjoy unrestricted freedom.

“Women have to stay indoors and are not allowed to pursue anything of their choice. I always wanted to be a model and as soon as I got the approval of my parents, I packed my bags and headed straight to India. Now, I relish every moment of being here,” confesses Ava, who also got her parents to move to India with her. “It’s the best decision I’ve made,” she adds.

Marcela, an Argentinian model, now based in Delhi, considers herself to be more of an Indian. “I am settled here in India and cannot be happier when it comes to work. My fiance, a German, runs a modelling agency and I do a lot of shows for him in addition to walking for some of the best designers in the country,” says Marcela.

On a serious note, she feels that Indian models — both male and female — put in a lot of effort to look good. “Modelling is a serious business and what I like about India is the professionalism with which things are managed,” she adds. She says that she’s tempted to have an Indian wedding, “I am tempted to bring the colour on the ramp into my wedding as well,” she beams.

Oksana from Ukraine says that she relocated to Bangalore after her friends in the City told her about the good opportunities in the modelling industry. “I couldn’t think about modelling in my country and my parents were most supportive when I told them about my passion. India offers a lot of freedom to women and that’s something I am enjoying at the moment. The ramp always gives me a high,” she says.

   Snizhana also from Ukraine says that this is her first time and she’s still getting a hang of the City, “This is my first show in the City and I am yet to face challenges, be it adjusting to the City or getting work. Everything seems  to be falling in place pretty well for me,” she sums up.