In the crowd of talent shows in the reality TV genre, Colors Infinity has brought Top Model India (TMI) which premiered on Sunday. The show focuses on finding feisty young models from across the country and transform them into ramp-ready models. This time, male and female contestants have to compete with each other.
Ace celebrity and fashion photographer Atul Kasbekar, one of India's best stylists Anaita Shroff Adajania, and the supermodel and actress Lisa Haydon are judging the show with Shibani Dandekar as the mentor to the contestants.
Haydon who is now a mum to baby Zack discusses the show, what she expects from the contestants and what changed after she became a mother.
What made you take up the project?
With years of modelling experience, it always compelled me to give back. When it comes to TMI, this franchise and format has worked so well across the world and was an encouragement to take it up. Especially getting back to work and doing something like this. What made it even more special is having Atul and Anaita on board, because they are two people that I deeply respect and look up to in the fashion industry and having them on the panel is huge!
How was it working with Atul Kasbekar and Anaita Shroff-Adajania outside the setting of a photoshoot?
I met them when I was 21, so that was 10 years ago. I have grown up with them. Atul is my agent and have worked with him on many occasions. They are both friends, they are older than me and I look up to them and respect them. And when you work with people for so long in the fashion business it’s like you form relationships. It was interesting to work with both of them, I have worked with Atul before and Anaita on projects and we just hang out more and have more conversations. They are so good at what they do even when they are on set for the purpose of their expertise. So it is similar to being in a photoshoot.
Models are often accused of being the poster kids of an unhealthy lifestyle. What do you think will change that perception?
I think it is all for a show. I think it is not true. You have to have a healthy lifestyle, it’s all about really bring fresh, exercising, sleeping early, looking good, being professional. The days of being badly behaved are not anymore. So if you catch pictures of models at fashion parties, they are paying their dues and they are going home, putting on their eye creams to look good the next day. I think it is more perception rather than reality and put up a picture of glamour but the truth is that everybody works really hard and that’s how I see it.
According to you, why is it that we see fewer Indian models on international runways or fashion magazine covers?
I think there are a lot of Indian models on the international scene, I don’t think that is the case right now. I’d have to differ.
On the professional front, what changed for you after becoming a mother?
Time is the biggest and of huge value once you have a child. How you spend that time, what you take out is taken away from your kid and what you don’t take out, your kid takes away from that. So it works both ways. It’s about prioritising what is most important and doing what is most important. Now you might end up being a little more selective about the things you are passionate about.
What are the qualities you and the rest of the judges are looking for in a model to win this show?
Individuality, personality, USP, creativity, drive determinations focus most importantly being in your best shape possible and don’t let the nervousness take over but cut edge and stand out
Rapid round:
Your favourite photoshoot - TMI photoshoot
Photographer, you want to collaborate with (dead or alive) - Mert & Marcus
An outfit you always wanted to try on - In my profession I can try on whichever outfit I like
Platinum, brunette, or blonde hair - Platinum all the way
