Akansha Maurya, a design student was not blinded by the arch lights of the modelling world, but saw it as a tool to be self-confident.
By Asmita Aggarwal
Tell us a bit about how you got into modelling?
My dad is an army man so I was born in Assam and raised in different cities. As a child, my parents use to take me to the mall for shopping. All the posters and billboards attracted me and fashion shows on TV used to make my heart flutter. I still remember I was in Dehradun, preparing for my exams and our institute took us to Delhi for a two-day trip and that time India Fashion Week was Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week. It was the very first show I saw live. My teacher was sitting next to me. As soon as the show started all I wanted to do was run towards the ramp and walk. My teacher saw me and he smiled seeing my reaction. I told him that one day Ill be walking this ramp. After completing my diploma in fashion and design from IIFT, Mumbai, I shifted to Delhi and started my modelling career.
Do you think GenZ is mesmerised by the world of glamour or do they view it as a platform to get into acting?
Modelling is a glamour world. People get attracted towards it. Who wouldnt like to see their face splashed on billboards and posters as well as on TV? Apart from this, modelling helps you make a name for yourself and in a way transforms you, infusing self-confidence. The best part is you get to travel the world and places you never thought you will ever go.
Many models keep education on the backburner when they join modelling but modelling has a shelf life….
Education comes first. And it’s really important to complete your education and then get in to any field you want. Education is a base and make that base strong is what I feel everyone must do.
What are the challenges being a young model in our country?
Being a young model in India is tough as there are already many well-established models here. But I think it is slowly changing and newcomers are getting chance to display their talent and discover themselves. To become a successful model one should learn how to handle fame and not be blindsided by it, but keep working hard. Patience is a virtue in this field and of course, a positive attitude goes a long way.
What are your other interests besides the ramp?
Im a big foodie and I love music and reading so I want to open a restaurant; my dream eatery will have variety of things not only in food. It will have different spaces —a library, games and live music.
What would you say is your asset?
My strength is my walk and my positive attitude towards learning new things. And I also know what I want! According to me modelling and acting are two different industries. And I only see myself as a model, because I’m passionate about it. And I can’t think about anything at this moment, future I cant say.
How do you prepare for a show?
Whenever I have show the next day, I turn in early and make sure I have a good nights sleep and tell myself that this it —- this is your time to shine! Enjoy the moment. I think every model is unique and they possess different qualities. It depends on what designer is looking for and do you fit that, criteria or not, if I dont get selected I dont do a post-mortem of it but look ahead.
What are your dreams, hopes and aspirations?
My only dream is emerge as a top model, I aspire to work with the best agencies around the world and make India proud. And I definitely see myself one day at the Milan, Paris and London Fashion Week in the future.