Modelling in India has hit a wall. Forget about producing supermodels like Kendall Jenner or Gigi Hadid. The industry can barely help models spread their wings, let alone soar.
Though Bollywood biggies have overshadowed professional models on the ramp, their performances usually fail to meet expectations.
Earlier, modelling was considered a stepping stone for a career in the film industry. The tables have turned now and Bollywood actors—with or without modelling skills—are the top picks to walk the ramp at fashion weeks. They have hijacked the platform and kicked out the professionals from the ramp.
A sought-after career choice during the 1990s and early 2000s, modelling was dominated by names like Suzanne Sablok, Feroze Gujral, Milind Soman, and Madhu Sapre. Today, the industry is a shadow of its former self.
Lakshmi Menon, dubbed “India’s last supermodel” in a Reddit post, was the face of Hermes and other fashion houses such as Givenchy and Jean Paul Gaultier. You won’t find her in India’s modelling scene today.
A high fall
While the allure of modelling still exists, several factors have conspired to render it a fading profession.
Fashion designers and brands seem enamoured by the star power of Bollywood. But most Bollywood celebrities lack the finesse and confidence needed for a standout runway walk.
In Wamiqa Gabbi and Taha Shah’s lacklustre ramp walk for Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla, their lack of a runway presence was only worsened by desperate attempts at the ‘model face’. Or Sara Ali Khan, who has delivered one awkward walk after another.
The recent runway show by the cast of Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives has put modelling to shame. Maheep Kapoor’s disinterest was evident, her face practically screaming, “When will this end?”
Meanwhile, Bhavana Pandey walked like she was auditioning for a robot competition, and the others seemed in a hurry as if they had a 6 am train to Panvel.
I am a big fan of Karan Johar’s films, but here’s a request—keep that Bollywood drama off the runway!
KJo usually nails his ramp walks with his confidence and that poker face. But this time, he seemed more focused on playing BFFs with Sidharth Malhotra mid-walk. I mean, what were they even trying to pull off?
The ramp isn’t the place to gush over each other—it’s about serving looks, not bromance.
Aspiring talents who might have once walked the ramp like Mismatched fame Priya Banerjee, see acting or content creation as more viable avenues. These alternatives offer not only better financial stability but also a broader fan base and visibility.
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Subpar ecosystem
Modelling in India is often financially unrewarding for most professionals. Runway models and magazine shoots often pay meagre amounts, barely covering living expenses.
A large chunk of modelling jobs requires aspirants to invest in professional portfolios, agency fees, and travel, making it a high-cost venture with no guaranteed returns.
Only a select few break through the clutter and achieve financial success.
Also, social media platforms like Instagram have drastically disrupted the modelling ecosystem. Brands that traditionally relied on professional models for campaigns now turn to influencers who bring not only good looks but also a built-in audience.
These influencers command higher fees and greater negotiating power, leaving professional models scrambling for what little remains of the pie.
There is also no governing body.
The Indian modelling industry suffers from a lack of organisation and support systems.
Unlike those in the film industry, who have unions or governing bodies to address grievances, models are left to fend for themselves. They often face exploitation in the form of delayed payments and unrealistic demands.
To revive modelling in India, several changes are necessary.
Industry players must collaborate to create fair compensation structures, better contracts, and clear career pathways.
Modelling agencies should take a proactive role in nurturing talent and negotiating better opportunities, while brands should prioritise models over influencers and actors.
Brands, fashion designers, and runway organisers need to wake up and smell the coffee before modelling turns into a laughing stock any more than it already has.
If they don’t, soon we’ll have ‘jokers’ walking the ramp.
Views are personal.
(Edited by Prasanna Bachchhav)
What kind of journalism is this?
Is The Print going to allow it’s platform to be used for such frivolous articles?
Is there nothing more important in our lives than the quality of catwalks at fashion shows? Or the “lack” of modelling stars?
Ms. Triya Gulati, please try to understand that there are matters of much more importance in this nation of 1.5 billion people. The quality of ramp-walks or modelling are not really a matter of concern to the average Indian. It may be of concern to Karan Johar and others of his ilk, who think someone walking the ramp for a designer is suited to work in films.
Also, this concept of transitioning from modelling to films is gross and absurd. People must transition from theatre to cinema – that’s the only way to ensure that we produce high quality cinema. When models start transitioning into films, we get typical Bollywood masala films – which are an abomination.