Email
Print
ShareGender Bender
Though a native of Delhi, I've been born and brought up in Mumbai. I am a commerce graduate. Ever since my college times I've been modelling, mostly to supplement my pocket money and the thrill it gave me. For me it was not a impromtu decision but something I wanted to do. After my graduation, I got job offers from airline companies but I refused. Also modelling offered better money and job satisfaction.
When I professionally ventured in to the modelling world, Iit was very different. It was difficult initially but as you progress you learn the tricks of the trade; I'm still learning though. The struggle to establish yourself never ends. I have not fixed any specific target because if you are unable to achieve it you feel dejected. I just take each day as it comes.
During my early days as a professional model I used to have bad days and I still have them; but I have never felt that I've made a mistake. I love this industry and hope to establish myself soon. My parents have been very supportive. My mom was a bit sceptical initially but when she saw that I love what I'm doing and won't be happy doing anything else, she supported me. It helps a lot if you have your family's support when you are struggling to make a mark in any field. When my father watches me in a TV commercial he calls out to me and lauds me. This gives me a great high.
Don't lose hope and work towards your goal. Work relentlessly, things will start happening. If you've entered this field to find a rich hunk of a guy, get married and settle down; it is wrong ideology.
Rupali Suri
Worli
I'm from Delhi and my father is a stockbroker there. In 1998 I came to Mumbai for six months and since then this city has been my sanctuary. I used to model in Delhi but just as a hobby.
Once in Mumbai, I got loads of modelling offers, I also acted in the movie Anarth. I got other movie offers but did not take them up and started modelling and acting in music videos and commercials. My wait for better movie scripts were worth it, as You, Momsy and Me, and Wow came my way.
Initially the struggle was quite hard as I was looking for quality roles.I would prefer to sit at home than work in a low quality production and earn more money.
The struggle gets compounded if you don't have a godfather. Those with a godfather get more opportunities.They just have to walk into a producer or directors place and would get a meaty role in their production thanks to the strings pulled by their mentor. If you don't have a mentor, you have to run around a lot.
To succeed in this field you should have a combination of luck, hard work and sincerity. I would not say there is no short cut to success but then whether to take it or not depends on an individual.
My family and my father, who is an ordinary guy and leads a simple life, was initially not very happy with my decision to take up acting and modelling as a profession. After my six-month stint in Mumbai and after the kind of work I got, he started supporting me.
I repent not being a graduate. Modelling and acting are the only options left and I've to fight to better my stand in this field
Gautam Rode
Versova
