Navigating through the narrow bylanes of Daryaganj, fresh faced Hida made it to the spotlight with pure perseverance
By Asmita Aggarwal
From the majestic ruins of Old Delhi, Hida Siddiqui is a face that challenged set norms; from an orthodox family, she broke free and gave modelling a chance, fighting family opposition, she survived even though she tempted providence. This was eight years ago, and she has negotiated the curveballs that were thrown her way with grit. Darya Ganj is not a place where you would ever spot a model-esque girl; nor is it an atmosphere which propels you towards a career on the ramp. It is quite retrograde where women are often stuck to housework. I was kind of different and while doing my graduation, I was often told I had both the height and figure for a model (five feet nine inches tall) and being the second among five siblings, this was a tough call to take. I would be expected, traditionally to set an example for the others. I did so, by doing what my heart said, she laughs.
Admiring the new bunch of models from Sonalika Sahay to veterans like Noyonika Chatterjee, and Carol Gracias, Hida who has walked for top designers from Rohit Bal to Sabyasachi Mukherjee is now excited to be part of JJ Valayas show. It was a dream to walk for him and finally it is happening, she smiles as she gets set for the AIFW Autumn-Winter 2015.
The Ms Universe 2014 aspirant, who made it to the top 7, Hida felt she lost out in the last leg of the competition, as she could not answer effectively, which is a major drawback in a competition which sources the most well-spoken girls from all over the country. It takes two years to prepare, your general knowledge has to be up-to-date, and so is your body, curvaceous and presentable at all times. Unlike fashion; where you have to be lean and fit to be a model, here it is more about how well you can carry yourself. I really worked hard on a fat free diet, no weight training, only cardio and skipping workout to get into shape. This year I will again, give it a try. It is not just about how good you look, luck plays a crucial role, and thats what sees you through in the end, she concludes.
