International ramp model Vidisha Pavate tells SujataAssomull that she may stand tall - all of 5 ft 10in - but she israring to go higherMeet Vidisha Pavate, the ramp model.Of national and international allure. When this leggy model is not struttingher stuff down Indian ramps, she is in Paris doing the Christian Dior andJohn Galliano fashion shows. Ever since Vidisha won the Ford SupermodelContest in 1995 the year before Bipasha Basu she has been walking theWestern way. A year with Ford, led to a contract with Next, anothermodelling agency.As a model in the fashion capital of the world, Vidisha's life must befilled with champagne soirees and chauffeur-driven limousines?It's more an uphill run than a smooth glide. "It's very tough being a modelin Paris. Sometimes you have to go for 10 castings, all in oppositedirections, in a single day. You can't always take a taxi because it's tooexpensive, so you have to travel by metro. It's not as glamorous as everyonethinks. But I like challenges and don't give up easily.""I am determined to make a name for myself on the international scene."Are these famous last words for an alien in Paris?"Well, the exotic look is very in at the moment, so that makes it a biteasier for Indian models. But it is still easier to model in India if youare an established name. Being an international model involves a lot ofstruggle."And is she ready to face the long haul even if it means shifting bagand baggage to France?That's a definite no no. "It's hard because I don't speak French. In Paris,I also don't like living in the accommodation offered by the modellingagencies because I like to keep my personal life away from the industry. Idon't think I could settle anywhere except India." More specifically, home.And her hometown, Bangalore. Unlike other Indian ramp models, Vidisharefuses to make Mumbai her base. Not that it has hurt her career. "I stillcome back every year for the fashion season." From Wendell Rodricks toManish Malhotra - their latest collections all featured Vidisha.And how does she rate the Indian modelling industry vis-a-vis its Westerncounterpart?"Things have really improved in India. Where once we had to carry our ownshoes and make-up, now everything is organised for us."Does that allay her nervousness?No. "It's good to get nervous before a show. You need that adrenalinrush."What is she going to do when the buzz goes away from the business?"I would like to be associated with the fashion industry even after I quitmodelling. But I also want to go abroad to do my MBA." She likes to study."Even though I was only 18 when I won the Ford contest and startedmodelling, I made sure I finished my BCom."Does she see herself going back to the grind of academia soon?"Like Mehr Rampal, I would like to leave the industry on a high. Mehr is onemodel I respect and look up to. I think she walked away with elegance andthat's what I would like to do as well."Tell us a little about the clothes that make the clotheshorse?"I love clothes. I used to be very fashion conscious but now I am more intodressing for comfort. But my real weakness is for shoes." It's a realweakness as the model has over 70 pairs. And even at 5 ft 10 in, she favoursheels over flats. "I love heels. Besides, on the international scene myheight is considered just average. Abroad all ramp models have to betall."Finally, is there any international face she really looks up to?"I used to love Naomi Campbell. People tell me I look like her, but I do notthink we resemble each other at all."
