Bollywood biggies like John Abraham, Milind Soman and Rahul Dev started their careers as models. Is Bollywood the next logical step that they opt for, or are male models forced to take a plunge into movies? If female models do not enjoy a longer shelf-life, their male counterparts have an even shorter career in the glamour world, says Mumbai-based model Sahil Shroff, who is making his film debut with Don 2.
But many male models disagree with Sahil, and argue that men age better than women. Also, for them, modelling is just the first step in the career, which leads to other diverse options.
“It’s now a fantastic time for modelling, particularly male models. With so many fashion weeks happening not only in metros but even in small towns, a professional model is never short of work,” says senior model and actor Rahul Dev, adding that he still takes pride in walking the ramp with models much younger to him.
“Why models opt for other fields is because they often outgrow the profession. I get many calls myself, but with my acting and gymming business, I am not able to take it full time,” he adds.
Model Vinay Rana, 25, says that he has walked with models much older to him. “Age has got nothing to do with you getting work. It all depends on how well you have maintained yourself and how well-connected you are in the industry,” he adds.
Interestingly, Vinay confesses that many take up modelling as a gateway to Bollywood. “All those, like me, who want to try their luck in films, and don’t have any godfathers, make their presence felt through the fashion world,” he says, as he talks about model and actor Muzammil Ibrahim and Shawar Ali. Model Deepak Wadhwa, 26, who has just made his debut on TV, says that unlike acting, modelling is yet to be taken as a full-time profession by men in India.
“We can’t deny that fashion world is dominated by women. Female models, who have been there for years, now have created a permanent slot for themselves,” he says.
Agrees model Asif Azim, 27, and says, “We have a handful of male models who have actually made it large in the fashion industry. So, smart men use modelling as a stepping stone to establish some other careers.”