Not letting vitiligo or being plus-sized slow her down, Gauthami Jeji creates a new blueprint for girls aspiring to face the arch lights
By Asmita Aggarwal
She believes each one of us has an energy field and that disease is a manifestation of emotional trauma, as it all starts from the mind. Thats why Karnataka-born, 18-year-old Gauthami Jeji, turned a spiritual counsellor to help people including herself from things that are invisible, yet make a huge impact on our psyche.
One of the four finalists of the FDCI Model hunt, Jeji is a face to watch out for as the aspiring model, has handled her vitiligo with as much grace as the way in which she has lived her life. The trained Reiki practitioner and now Shamanism learner, believes problems must be eradicated from the root as everyone deserves to live a healthy life—her belief in the esoteric does just that. I got vitiligo when I was seven years old, luckily, I had a supportive family and friends, so I have no stories of how I was bullied or discriminated. Growing up I never felt there was an issue till society made me feel so, admits the daughter of an IPS officer.
Going back in time, when she was in fifth grade, like others she wanted to fit in, and I felt bad that I was different. Modelling really impacted me as a child, seeing perfect faces and symmetrical bodies. Beauty in India does not celebrate a large girl, with frizzy hair or derma issues. I applied for the FDCI model hunt, I felt it needed relatable people so that young girls looked up and exclaimed, if she can why cant I?, says the plus-sized model. I would like to thank the FDCI for its open mindedness and setting a new template for beauty, I am sure this has opened the doors for many girls like me, she adds.
Not academically inclined, she often failed in school, but that helped her understand what her spirit really desired, she admits it was the lure of the camera and the subtle pleasures of 70MM. Acting has been my absolute favourite, I am also a vivid storyteller, so script writing and making movies is on the cards, she says.
Her humble request to the modelling world is to encourage more inclusivity, select girls from down South and the North-East and not be restricted to South Delhi, long-legged nymphs. They should make use of the countrys diverse culture and not encourage this toxic trait of aspiring to be perfect, she explains. Young girls should feel pretty even if they dont have long hair and fair skin.
Modelling to Jeji, half-Tamilian-half-Kannadiga, is like art, a potent form of expression. She has observed voiceless women being shamed by their own families. You wont find a husband if you dont lose weight; You wont be able to settle down if you dont lose your glasses or Get married you are over 30 now, or You are 25 have a child women are always judged for the way they look, or the choices they make, she confesses.
Besides being an avid poetry reader as well as binge-watcher of TV shows, she also enjoys making cocktails but the passion remains modelling and facing the camera. The training camp organised by Lakshmi Rana’s Wilderbee Talent Camp (WTC) at FDCI office was a real boost for my confidence and a great source of inspiration. Agencies today are warming up to inclusivity, but whats the point? Indian brands are still stuck in their old ways, but Im hoping it will change with time. Thus, I dont see a comforting journey for myself in this world, but I am always up for a challenge, concludes the FDCI Model hunt top four finalist.