'All that matters is the end product'

GLAMOUR BECKONS

Youngsters are often known to lose their focus when they enter the glamour industry. But this does not hold true for Usha Rani Rajgopal, a final-year student of Oxford College of Science.

She has her head firmly placed on her shoulders and been financially independent ever since she started walking the ramp and doing shows.

“I am very passionate about what I do and work equally hard for a small show. For me, all that matters is the end product. I put my best foot forward in each project that I take up. My journey started when I was in the first year of college. The first time I walked the ramp was for the Metrolife Fashion Show in 2011. My career as a model and designer took off from there and a well-known event coordinator approached me for a show that he was doing. Post that, I started getting offers from designers, event management companies and photographers,” she explains.

Usha does not let success get to her head. She says that she does not turn down a project if a photographer or designer is not able to pay her.

“In fact, that is the last thing on my mind. I am modelling as I love walking the ramp. I do not run behind money. There have been shows where I have walked for free. I also try and help my friends and seniors from college when they need someone to walk the ramp or design the clothes. I have big dreams and work hard to achieve them,” she notes.

Ask her about the challenges she faces and she says that though the modelling industry looks very glamourous, one needs to work really hard to be successful in it. She adds that it is important for models to be focussed on their work and stand up for themselves to keep their dignity intact.

“I have done several shoots. While some designers or photographers are very prompt when it comes to payment and sharing the pictures, there are many who don’t bother to respond. As a model, I have to update my portfolio regularly and need to add my recent photographs to it. Getting these pictures sometimes can be tiresome,” she adds.

Her parents have been very supportive and have immense faith in her potential. She keeps them informed of her upcoming projects and they have encouraged her to fulfill her dreams.

“I have never had any trouble on that front. Though they worry at times about my whereabouts, they trust me and encourage me. My mother keeps asking me when can she see me on television,” she quips.

Despite getting several offers to act in films, Usha doesn’t want to make it big in the film industry.

 “I have got many offers from the South Indian film industry. But I have never been interested in them,” she details.

For now, she is all set to make a mark as a designer and a ramp model. “Dejections are a part of life. But they have never stopped me from achieving my goals,” she sums up.