Face-Off/Fleur Xavier

Yes, that’s right. Besides, this 22-year-old also features in the Bajaj Scooter and Sprite commercials and the Maruti Zen ad with Tarun Raghavan.

That’s prolific. Looks like she is doing well for herself.

Sure. Her’s is definitely a face to watch out for. But success hasn’t landed at Fleur’s doorstep just like that. Despite losing out in the Miss India race three years ago, this PYT went on to participate in the `Look of The Year’ contest and finished runner-up.

But did she always want to be a model?

"No, not really. Although my mother did send my photographs for the Miss India contest — after I had a proper portfolio clicked — I didn’t quite get much work." Fleur thinks that events like `Look of the Year’ are a great way to break into the business. "It is through these competitions that mostgirls get noticed."

OK. So what happened after the contest?

Fleur’s career took off with a bang and she became one of the most sought-after ramp models. At 5ft 9.5" she makes a perfect clothes-horse.

What does she do to maintain her figure?

Well, she certainly doesn’t exercise — she has a week knee — but she does watch her diet. "I used to be quite fat once upon a time. Luckily, I lost weight without having to sweat it out."

Now that she’s hit the big time with ad-commercials, is it curtains for ramp modelling?

"No way, it’s my bread and butter." Besides, competition on the ramp isn’t as stiff as it is on the commercials scene."

Fortunately, there’s been a virtual blitzkrieg of ad work for Fleur. How did that come about?

"For a while I didn’t get much work, but the Zen film changed that when suddenly, offers started pouring in." And the timing was just right because Fleur was getting fed-up of just sashaying down the ramp.

Besides, isn’t it true that theramp is characterised by endless back-biting?

"No, but there is a lot of PR. You have to meet the right people and say the right things."

OK, who are her favourite designers?

"Hemant Trevedi’s Indo-West designs are cut so well, they give you a great shape. And I love Tarun Tahiliani’s Indian clothes — they are so sensuous." Now we know that this girl likes clothes that make her look sexy.

And like most ramp models does she also aspire to become an actress?

"Absolutely not. I am not here for fame — my aim is to make money. So, I don’t really want to get famous. Films mean a totally different lifestyle and I don’t think I’m suited for it."

But we hear she loves to sing and dance?

"Oh yes, I just love to sing and dance." And Fleur has even done an Udit Narayan pop video with Milind Soman. So, perhaps, she might just end up singing for her next video.

What are her plans for life after modelling?

"I want to stick around for the next few years. But I haven’tdecided what I’d like to do after that." Though she does admit that being a family person, she would like to get married. While she readily admits that there is a man in her life, she’s not about to reveal his name — nor does she know for sure if he’s the one she wants to marry. "Relationships are very important to me. My family always comes first."

Sounds like a bit of a home bird, doesn’t she?

Yep. Fleur is no party animal — she would rather curl up at home in front of the TV than go out and socialise. "I only party after a show or if there is a really big event." She prefers watching Ally McBeal or The Practise to partying the night away.

Does she have many friends?

"I am a bit of a loner. I have very few close friends — people I grew up with. Also, Aditi Govitikar is a really good friend. But I don’t make friends too easily and I’m not much of a people person".

So there isn’t any hectic social life?

No. "I’d rather be with a few close friends than with awhole bunch of people I don’t know. You could say I live life in a cocoon. But that’s the way I like it."