When one thinks of models, what comes to mind is glamour, fame and money. But somehow, drugs, booze, party, and one night stands have also become synonymous with the industry. Is this the life they really lead or is this the life they are shown to lead?
Veteran model Shamita Singha got candid and shared some stereotype-enforcing details about what goes on behind the scenes in an exclusive interview with GQ.
“After working here for over 16 years, nothing really shocks me anymore. If some models party their asses off, smoke, drink, snort cocaine, have plenty of affairs and one-night stands, there are many who get married early and have kids… everything is considered normal here.”
Many other veteran models were interviewed but their identities were kept off-record. However, the statements they gave to GQ will have you drop your jaw in bewilderment.
Here are some excerpts:
When an after party turned out to be a threesome
“After a fashion week in Bengaluru, I headed up to the hotel room where the after-party was supposed to be. Except, as I knocked on the door, I realised everything was strangely quiet. A fellow male model opened the door wearing only a towel and a shocked expression. It might have had something to do with the fact that there were two other models — one male and one female — buck naked in bed behind him,” a model told GQ.
Fashion designers can be mean in more ways than one
Another model shared, “A really well-established Delhi designer promised to pay me after the show. The amount wasn’t much back then, but he still refused to pay eventually. Whenever I cross paths with him at events today, he looks right through me and pretends as if nothing ever happened.”
Proposals will come no matter what your marital status is
“During fittings on the same day, the changing rooms for the female and male models somehow got swapped and I ended up in a very naked boys’ room. Now, you have to understand that nakedness is nothing new for a model, so I simply apologised and turned to leave. That’s when my suitor commented, “Kabhi kabaar chicken bhi khaa liya karo, roz dal chawal khaane mein mazaa thodi na hai?” (Have some chicken once in a while, what’s the fun in only eating rice and dal everyday?)”
And no matter how old you are, your body is what they want and they will get you to do anything and everything.
All images used for representational purposes only.
