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Journalism of Courage
Ramp model Anu Ahuja is now sashaying to a different tune as J J Valaya8217;s brand manager, says Sujata Assomull
Ramp model Anu Ahuja is walking tall in her new avatar as J J Valaya8217;s ambassadress.
Well, actually she is much more than that. She is J J8217;s business development manager for the western region. Which means she is dealing with public relations and marketing in Mumbai. quot;Basically, I am helping J J develop his brand in the city.quot;
The second of two shows held in as many months, the first show 8212; at this store in Crossroads 8212; launched Studio Valaya, J J8217;s pret line. The second, for his couture collection, is being held at the Taj. quot;J J has been available at Vama for a long time but he has always wanted a stronger presence in the city.quot;
And what is the difference between his pret and couture line?
quot;The pret range is available at his own store,Studio Valaya, and everything is priced under Rs 9,999. His couture line, on the other hand, will be available at Vama. Pret is bought off the rack whereas couture can be made to order. It8217;s a bit like how Armani has Emporio Armani, and a diffusion line Armani Exchange.quot;
How did Anu hook up with J J in the first place?
Anu and J J8217;s friendship dates back to their Delhi days. Ten years away from the capital 8212; time Anu spent in Mumbai 8212; has made no difference to that relationship. quot;I had taken a break from modelling and was relaxing at home in Delhi. I remember waking up one morning thinking I must ring J J and catch up with him. Then I got busy and forgot to call him. But as it happened he called me up and told me about his expansion plans and asked me to get involved.quot;
And was it easy moving from modelling to PR and brand building?
As a ramp model, even though Anu knew about most aspects of the fashion business she did find it a bit daunting at first. quot;I used to be scared aboutattending business meetings but now I find it quite easy.quot;
Has Anu been involved with the designing?
quot;I did give some inputs for his Studio line but J J has been a successful designer for eight years now. So, I don8217;t think he needs any advice from me.quot;
Will she at least get on the ramp for him?
quot;I hope so, but I may be too busy helping out with organising the show.quot; A fund-raiser, J J has tied with Helpage India and proceeds from the event 8212; each ticket is selling for Rs 1,500 8212; will go to this social organisation. quot;The UN has declared 1999 as the year for the older person which is why we tied up with Helpage. We have also tried to keep the ticket prices as low as possible. If you were to go for dinner to a good restaurant it would cost the same.quot;
Seven lines will be displayed at the show and each has its own inspiration. For instance, there is a line called, Bohemian Rhapsody, which will use both Swarovski crystals and flat badla work. Another line, The Sky Above Us uses silkthreads.
Will Anu ever have time left to model?
quot;Well you could say I have one foot off the ramp.quot; Always. She caused quite a storm at the recent Ritu Kumar show to release the designer8217;s book. Anu is also anchoring the Good Home Show, a weekly programme on Sony TV. quot;That happened by sheer chance. People had been telling to try my hand at anchoring and I did go for a few tests but nothing happened. Then one day I got a call from the Good Home producer telling me that I had got the job. I have never been very proactive about my career 8212; things just seem to happen to me. I have always been interested in interiors.quot;
Does she enjoy working on the idiot box?
quot;At first I hated it, I was really bad at it. It looks easy, but it is quite tough presenting a show. You have to remember lines and learn how to act in front of the camera. But now I love it.quot;
Would she like to do more on-screen appearances?
quot;Well, with all the new-age cinema happening here, I would not mind acting in afilm. I just loved 1947, Earth. It would be like a dream to get a role in a film like that.quot; Right now, Anu is looking at a script, but nothing is certain. quot;If I got a good film then I would give up modelling for a while. I don8217;t really make plans. I just tend to go with the flow.quot;
