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Confessions of a Gujarat model

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Rakesh Kotti
Rakesh KottiDec 11, 2017 | 16:25

Confessions of a Gujarat model

Even the morning after, nobody spoke to or about me. The life of a model is so short-lived. Just three years ago, everyone raved about me. It feels like an eternity now. At least the male models get a mention once in a while. My counterpart Vikas is conspicuous by his absence, but nobody even whispers about me, the Gujarat model. Not even those channels who have taken on the responsibility of letting the nation know.

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There’s a new model in town I hear, who’s getting all the deals and contracts. The other day, when I ran into Vikas at the rehab centre, he told me that she is likely to model for Rafael Lopez. I wondered how the agent could just ditch me for this new model. She has no experience to be awarded the contract with Rafael. Vikas tells me that the new model’s remuneration is three times more than mine and that her name is Antilla. As if that’s not cringe worthy, the new model has no experience and I doubt she has ever touched a ramp in her life. Even an international model from Qatar has recently charged a fraction of what Antilla is charging for the Rafael deal.

It’s heart-breaking to realise that my agent has ditched me after all these years of working together. My memories are vivid of how I first gained popularity and was launched into the glitzy make belief world of air brushed reality. After the fall collection of 2002, as Rafael Lopez rose to international fame, my agent suggested I walk the ramp for him. It was the first break I got. Back then I had low confidence and was frail due to years of living in penury. Peering through his Bvlgari sunglasses, my agent told me that my slender frame was in demand in the fashion industry. And so, he presented my malnourished body to the international media as the epitome of fashion.

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Soon, my agent took me all over the country and everyone wanted a bit of me. My agent took so many selfies with me that made the others go green with envy. With a little, (actually a lot) money which my agent was given in Gotham City, I was branded as the Gujarat model, worthy of emulation by models across the country. However, none knew of the abuse I had to endure at the hands of my agent’s best friend, the founder of Gotham City — Gotham Andhani.

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Illustration by Tanmoy Chakraborty

Enduring severe bouts of depression and bulimia, Vikas and I kept each other company in Gotham City. We muddled through by distracting ourselves with the vices of the fashion industry. Our favourite was smoking up. There’s nothing like some good weed energy. It keeps our minds occupied and gives us the courage to endure the nefarious activities of the industry.

I remember, one such incident when the Man Friday of my agent stalked me. Vikas and I were scared for our lives as the man’s violent reputation preceded him. And yet, such is the magic of my agent that the stalking was passed off as my protection, much like my malnutrition sold as fashion. The media lapped it all up. Soon, everything was seen with rose tinted glasses again. Another incident that I recall was when I modelled in Nagpur. It was for the Khakhi collection. The male models, decided to switch to trousers as part of their Khakhi couture.

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There was a lot of fur and leather used too. Somehow, the men were offended by the leather and beat up those who worked in the tanneries. The tanneries closed, the men lost their jobs and suddenly there was no one with money to buy our apparel. Of course, we weren’t reality. I wonder how people believe they could ever wear the gowns we walk the ramp in and go to a party. We’re all air brushed, photo-shopped and malnourished.

The only time, Vikas and I got a little break was when we went south. There was an agent there — Nero Naidu, who wanted a good model for his rising son to try his designs on. At first, we thought Naidu was eco-friendly as he always rode a bicycle.

We later learnt that he is paranoid about it being stolen, like he did from his father-in-law. Unfortunately for the Andhra model, life was a disaster after she had a humiliating wardrobe malfunction. She swore that it was the rising son who is malfunctioning.

But now, no one, not even my agent talks about Vikas or the Gujarat model. Yesterday Vikas said there was an assignment with a local brand. My agent suggested I go, even though I didn’t have my portfolio ready. Finding a little courage, I told my agent that it’s like going into an election without a manifesto. Putting on his Bvlgari sunglasses, my agent said in his hallmark arrogance, that he’d rather not be seen in my presence.

Vikas consoled me as said, we should consider moving to Gorakhpur as someone told him, they would need models for their saffron collection.

Last updated: December 29, 2017 | 16:22
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