Till yesterday Danielle Canute was like any other teenager who loves to dress up pretty. Having won India’s Next Top Model on MTV, the 18-year-old student of St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai, wants to do what she loves the most — modelling. “I was shocked. I was at a loss for words. The journey of the show was difficult and long, yet I made it to the top,” she said. Here’s what Danielle had to tell t2 after her big win. 

What’s been the most unforgettable moment on the show? 

Walking for Lakme Fashion Week had been my dream. I thought I wouldn’t make it to the audition but I was given the chance to live my dream when I walked for Quirk Box in August. Nothing tops that. That moment was unreal. 

How would you describe the journey of your transformation? 

I had absolutely no experience. My first-ever shoot was part of the challenge with Dabboo Ratnani (grins). It definitely was a rollercoaster ride. When I had walked in for the auditions, all the other models were so professional that I remember texting my mom that I couldn’t do this and I wanted to come home. My confidence had dropped seeing the other girls. I have some crazy memories from the show. 

So how did India’s Next Top Model happen to you? 

I had participated for a fashion show for a friend where one of the judges spotted me and asked me to audition for the show. I have watched America’s Next Top Model for my whole life. And, here I suddenly came to the first edition of India’s Next Top Model! I went unprepared. It was my first-ever audition. They asked me basic questions and I passed the first three rounds. That’s where everything started. 

Did you always want to be a model? 

You know, it was like my secret dream. No one really knew that I had a passion for modelling. Not even my parents had an idea. I always had a huge love for fashion, clothes and make-up. I dig up my mom’s closet and try to mix and match with everything I get. 

You met a lot of people from the fashion frat on the show. How was the experience? 

I met many people in the course of the journey like Priyanka Chopra’s mom, Madhu. She came in at a time when we were missing home very much. I asked her about how to handle success at a young age. She advised me to stick to my roots, be who I am and give my best. Then, Alesia Raut is an example of someone who is at such a high place in her career but still she is so kind at heart. 

India’s Next Top Model was shot like a reality show. Were those catfights for real? 

If you put nine models from nine different backgrounds and with nine different personalities in one house, there’s bound to be some fun and fireworks! At the end of the day, we are all girls and we are young. There were no fights. I would say that there were disagreements. 

So, what next? 

I am still in college. I still have to focus on studies before taking up modelling. I have to try and push forward so I am looking at all other options. I am still not well versed with the modelling world. After winning the show, there is pressure to do well. I just don’t want to rush into it. 

Models target Bollywood after a while. Do you have any such aspiration?  

Becoming an actress has never been my interest. I do know that the shelf life of a model is quite short. But I want to enjoy modelling.  

Who are the models you follow on Instagram? 

Cara Delevingne, Lisa Haydon and Radhika Nair. I am also inspired by Archana Akil Kumar. 

Who are your fave style divas from Bollywood? 

I think Rhea Kapoor is doing a fabulous job for Sonam Kapoor. Also, I like Neha Dhupia because she never plays safe. Fashion is about taking chances. I am Taylor Swift’s biggest fan. I look up to her. 

Are you a brand loyalist or you pick up things from everywhere? 

I love brands but I am not devoted to them. I also love street shopping.