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"It's not easy to stay fit and look good all the time.
"There is a lot of hard work and struggle that goes behind that perfect picture you see in those magazines and television.
"People need to start appreciating that."
London-based Indian model Bhavna Suri tells us why models deserve equal respect as any other profession.
Bhavna Suri has been in the modelling industry for more than 3 years now.
Having worked with designers both in India and abroad, Suri feels that there is a lot of scope for young girls in India.
She however dislikes the fact that models are not respected much for the work they do.
In a quick interview, the 23-yr-old leggy lass talks about her career journey so far and shares her concerns. Read on
What inspired you to become a model? Tell us about your first break.
I always wanted to be a model. When I was in college, my friends further asserted that view. I was tall and had a good body, so I thought I should give it a try.
I was pursuing a course in media make up in London when the modelling bug bit me.
I was 20 when I moved to Spain to look for work. I did a few modelling assignments there and then got my big break with the Spain Fashion Week.
I started working quite early and have lost count of the number of shows I have done till date -- Amazon India Fashion Week, Wills Lifestyle, Lakme, I have walked for them all.
I have worked with Harper's Bazaar, Elle and Vogue.
How did your parents react when you told them you want to become a model?
My father is a businessman and my mother is into aroma therapy. Both have been very supportive of my decision.
My father has even seen some of my work and he encourages me to follow my passion.
They know that I love to travel and meet new people. But there are times when I feel lonely and miss my family.
My parents still live in England and I travel to India quite often.
What do you like about India?
My father is a Punjabi so I have travelled to India with him. Every time I come here, I feel at home; maybe it's the Punjabi blood.
I like Indian food. There is so much harmony and love among people here.
India's culture is so rich and vast, I feel proud about it.
How do you stay so fit?
I drink lots of water, I don't eat carbs. I believe in cardio. I enjoy running.
What do you dislike about this industry?
I don't like it when people disregard your work because you're a model.
It's not easy to stay fit and look good all the time.
There is a lot of hard work and struggle that goes behind that perfect picture you see in those magazines and television. People need to start appreciating that.
Your advice to aspiring models?
Be yourself. Don't try to be someone you're not. You're unique.
Be comfortable in your own skin.
Photographs: Kind courtesy Bhavna Suri
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