Ramp Race

Bharat Sharma who came to the city for higher studies in 2000 started his modeling career,while working with a private software company. Preferring to call it a hobby,it started around three years ago with a personality pageant however the Lakme Fashion Week he says helped him realise the intricacies of the fashion world after which it has been a trail of projects. Currently shuffling between Mumbai and Delhi Sharma says,“The competition in the industry is cut throat for male models as compared to females. It has also become too dicey with the number of models contending in Mumbai and Delhi. Pune cannot really afford models because of the low budgets and lesser shows.”

Some of his projects include Wills India fashion week,India couture week.Dubai Fashion Week,Middle east fashion extra vaganza,IIFA in Maccau and ICICI Prudential,which remain special to him. “Modeling has age constrains and it is an extra source of income for me rather than calling it a full time profession although I have always been passionate about the ramp,” says the 27-year-old.

Sufzal Salim
This top10 finalist of a national personality pageant has just finished shooting for MTV Spiltsvilla 3 which is currently on air. 24-year- old Sufzal Saleem has been ruling the ramp for the last two years now,having walked for the Lakme India Fashion Week,featured in several commercials and worked with well-known designers. Yet this is quite a beginning for the youngster. “The era of supermodels is gone. It’s a new day the moment your last show is over. I would call myself a struggling model for that is what I have to do approaching people and getting the shows,” he adds. Sufzal has also worked with international photographers Derran Centofnti and Karim. An aspiring actor who’s shifted to Mumbai for the projects lined up,he however makes it a point to be in the city during the New Years. “I invariably do the 31st night shows in Pune and it feels great to be in your own city ,partying with friends and being home. Otherwise Pune unfortunately has very less to offer inspite of being close to the fashion capital,” he says.

Mansi Kekate
She has been on the ramp on reel and real. Having walked the sequences in Fashion and been among the top 25 finalists in Miss India 2007,its been a steadfast journey for Mansi Dekate. “I was participating in inter college model shows and that is how it began. Pune has a lot of potential yet since Mumbai is the final place,nobody prefers to stay here. Since I’m studying,there is time before I decide the final career,although I have always enjoyed modeling,” she adds. Mansi was also a part of the Pune Fashion Week and has walked for several big names in the industry. Speaking about the competition she says,“Its all about having the right contacts. And each time you are a part of a show you tend to meet new people and newer opportunities. I guess that’s the way it works for us.”