‘Rates are going crazily low’: Indian model slams fashion industry for underpayment, video goes viral

Roshni Sharma, a professional model, shed light on the harsh financial challenges many models continue to face.

New Delhi | August 7, 2025 06:54 PM IST

The model shared the breakdown of challenges a model goes through for agreeing to walk a low-budget shows (Representative image/Pexels)

India’s fashion runways might screen glitz and glamour, but behind the scenes, professional models are speaking out about a very different reality, from underpayment to mistreatment to a lack of respect. These long-standing issues are now being brought to light by those within the industry.

Roshni Sharma, a professional model, shed light on the harsh financial challenges many models continue to face. “Rates are going crazily low because there are so many models trying to get work and they are just budging the rates down,” Sharma says in the video. Sharma further shared the breakdown of challenges a model goes through for agreeing to walk low-budget shows. Models are paying for their travel and accommodation, she said.

“If you’re with an agency, always ask your agent to pay you at higher rates than the previous season. Because what happens is Brand starts seeing you as somebody who doesn’t grow and is okay with whatever is put on their plate. The biggest fashion weeks like India, Couture Week or Lakme Fashion Week are the highest media-performing shows. Sometimes people budge down because of the fact that the Booker tell them that they have the chance to go viral or have great potential to get famous. That reel is not going to put food on your plate neither on anybody’s plate,” Sharma wrote in the caption.

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The video quickly gained traction, sparking a conversation on struggles in the fashion fraternity. “Models taking up campaign shoots and big Tvc’s for 30-40k and shows for 5-10k have ruined the market,” a user wrote. “Good point, Roshni. Rates have hit rock bottom, largely because agencies are offering models to these fashion weeks simply for mileage. Add to that the internal undercutting cartel, and it’s become a deeply unhealthy ecosystem,” another user commented.

“Unionising is the only way forward but honestly, most folks in the industry are incredibly desperate to save face and be polite as opposed to stand for fair pays and rights,” a third user reacted.

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