Modeling veteran Noyonika Chatterjee completes 25 years, this year. In a world where looks are everything and insecurity is a given, she takes pride in being a mom, lovin every moment in the spotlight and relegates her winning a genetic lottery to just pure luck!
She completes 25 years in the fashion industry this year, but as a young student, Noyonika Chatterjee couldnt dream of being a ramp scorcher. I was dusky, at a time when fair was considered pretty. So I never thought I could crack the glittering world of perfect faces, she laughs.
But as they say fate has many tricks up its sleeve. Spotted by choreographer Jeannie Naorojis assistant when Noyonika was a book and theatre lovin college girl, she went on to work with designer Rohit Khosla. Lady luck was shining on her, she got an opportunity to travel to Paris as a model for Pierre Cardin, but she gave it up on her fathers request to pursue academics.
Most people are made to believe, if you are a model you are well, a bit slow in the intellect department, but thats a misnomer, laughs Noyonika. As this dusky beauty is a lot more than just a reed thin waist. I studied ceramics at the National Institute of Design (NID) and then went on to master the craft in Pondicherry. My father wanted me to be equipped with a good degree, he believed it was a necessary survival tool in this competitive world. Though I loved modeling and enjoyed every moment on the catwalk, now when I look back I have observed that it was youth that found the glitz so appealing, so I put studies on the back burner, she smiles.
Much water has flown under the bridge, from the time when she started. Two decades ago, Noyonika says, models were looked upon as entertainers, but now there is a sea change. Things are a lot more organized, there is an army that supports every aspect—-from hair stylists, image consultants, choreographers to make up artists. Fashion is now professional, organized, and worthwhile for everybody involved, she admits.
Straddling both roles of a mother and model dexterously, Noyonika confesses her priority is her 10-year-old daughter Nyantara, who aspires to become an actress. Every day, her dreams change, but I do know that if glamour is her calling, I will support her, after all what I am today is due to the fashion industry and some of my best friends belong here, she admits.
Getting ready for the FDCI organized PCJ Delhi Couture Week, Noyonika is clear that she is able to work, due to a supportive family structure. My husband has been my pillar, it would be impossible otherwise. I agreed to do couture week as it is what I love, the clothes, the magical sets, fantasy, imagination, so it doesnt seem like a chore, she adds.
Seeing Noyonika, and admiring her enviable waist, few would believe that she never works out and calls herself genetically blessed. Yes, I hate gymming, but I do eat healthy, the body is a temple, you have to take care of it. I like salads, soups and even pasta, so it is not that I starve myself, I just balance my meals, she says.
And here is a piece of advice for young guns, from the veteran, If you do want to be a model, show passion, be interested, educate yourself, dont treat it like a job, savour it.