Monika: An Inspiration for Many Budding Models
India is known to be a country to give ample of opportunities for budding models. Some prefer to get trained in this country itself, while a lot of aspiring models travel to other nations, get the experience of modeling and acting and then return back to India to continue their career. Among the ocean of people who take up modeling as their career, there are very few who actually dream of this from their childhood and with their firm determination reaches to levels that mark inspiration for others. Monika is one such inspiring model, who hailed from a small town, yet has set examples in many ways for all other aspiring models.
Q. Tell us Something About Yourself – About Your Childhood, Family Background and Schooling?
She was born in Ambala and did her schooling and college at various places because she comes from an Army family background. Monika did her schooling in cities including Dehradun, Kolkata, Patiala, and Agra. But yes, her native is Agra in Uttar Pradesh, India.
Q. What Made You Choose to Model as Your Career Path?
During her school days, she participated in various art and cultural events. Her teachers and friends were a source of inspiration and they motivated her to take part in such events. In her class XII, in Patiala was the turning point for her. It was then when she participated in the‘ Miss North India’ contest and she bagged the title of glory. Her modeling career started thereafter when she was acclaimed the‘ Miss North India’.“ I started getting offers and assignments and took part in many fashion shows. I was encouraged by my colleagues and seniors. Later I developed a self-belief that Modeling was the career for me. Then there was no looking back and I pursued it with passion as a career”. Says the proud Model.
Q. The Journey Definitely was not as Easy as it Sounds. Tell us About the Difficulties You Faced After choosing to Model?
Modeling as a career in India, especially, for girls from small cities was not considered to be a very good career choice during those years. It was a challenge and uphill task of trying to convince her parents about modeling as a career. After choosing to model as her path, she had to face difficulties as is a common phenomenon for most girls from middle-class families. Initially, her parents and family members did not support her for taking this as a career option. She recalls,“ My father was in the Indian Army and later on when I requested him to accompany me in a few shows, seeing my passion and the confidence conveyed by the event organizers and my friends about my talent, my father supported me to go ahead with my choice”.
Q. When did You Get Your First Modeling Assignment?
I got my first assignment after becoming‘ Miss Photogenic’ in the Miss India North contest. It is the potential of an individual that is recognized at events like this. Reality shows today is an excellent platform to be recognized which introduces you to this industry through the media. This is how event managers / directors notice you which were not available ten years back.
Q. You have Been a Part of Many Fashion Shows. Was it only in Big Cities?
No! In your initial career, you want to grab every opportunity that comes your way with the basic intention of gaining experience before you become selective. I have done shows in Patiala, Ludhiana, Delhi, Patna, Sirsa, Chandigarh, Bhopal, Agra, Mathura, Surat, and Jaipur.
Q. Usually People Shift to Movies After Few Modeling Projects. What is Your Take on it?
Monika has concentrated only towards modeling and never thought of movies as yet. She believes that modeling does define your character and especially after being a professional model and the experience you gain in this field, it becomes easier by its fashion shows, acting or Advertisements( Ads).
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