Pinky Kenworthy model-turned-artist

First modelling assignment

An ILPA show in 1996.

Most memorable assignment

The NIFT graduation shows were fun. I saw huge talent. Also I used to do a lot of shows with De Beers and World Gold Council. Amazing stuff!

From modelling to art… where is the connect?

I am a self-taught artist. Modelling and art are a world apart. Modelling is an external thing — very superficial at many levels. But it was so much fun, too. I was always painting while I was modelling but only when I had the time. I had made up my mind long back that I would be an artist. People thought I had gone mad when I said that I wanted to paint. Modelling I thought was taking me away from art.

Shaun (Kenworthy, her husband since 2004) had a very big hand in pushing me towards art. When we met, we bonded over painting. But I still modelled for a year after I got married. Then one fine day I totally quit. I worked so hard to get to where I was and I could have got whatever I wanted. But I wanted more out of life. That was the decision I had to take. It took me two years to figure that I could not put up with the superficiality. I grew up!

Why did you never move out of Calcutta?

I did not want to. I had worked with the best designers and hairdressers. And getting that high whenever I was on the ramp…

An unrealised dream as a model...

Nothing really. At 34, I have a new career. I have come to understand that when you are painting professionally, it is a completely different thing than when you are painting as a hobby.

Nicola Gomes model-turned-choreographer and grooming expert

Most satisfying modelling assignment...

I was just a few months into modelling and I was paired with Madhu Sapre for a show! I think the designer was Manoviraj Khosla. At that time Madhu was the number one model and to be paired with her was a big thing! Then I also did another show for Rocky S for FTV, which I loved. The clothes were fab! Mehr Jessia was the choreographer.

When you started out what were the challenges?

In those days things were very different. We never thought of it as a career choice. All of us grew up together. There was nobody to learn from. We did not know how to apply the right make-up. Everything was a first! All that helped us.

Most successful Calcutta model

Bipasha (Basu). Her sense of style and presence are amazing.

What do you miss about modelling?

The clothes, the make-up… I miss trying out those different looks for every show. I also miss being with my group and travelling with them. There was Pinky, Joy, Celina and Koena. Later Jessica and Tina joined us.

Most promising of the current crop...

A complete model is missing. They really don’t have that sense of commitment and professionalism. And then some of them have bad skin and their basic sense of style is wrong. So many of them wear wrong shoes all the time. They need grooming.

Piu Sarkar model-turned-artist

Modelling or painting...which is more satisfying?

I have been painting for the past 10 years. Modelling was a phase I was going through and I enjoyed it immensely. I was discovering myself on the surface. I have moved into different dimensions now. When I was modelling, I was looking for something more meaningful. Art and poetry used to come naturally to me. So, it was not a conscious decision. I just decided that one day this is going to be my priority, to know myself the best. At the cerebral and spiritual level, painting is more satisfying. A canvas is like a mirror.

Your favourite artist...

I have always been very fascinated by Salvador Dali. His works are on dreams and my works too are surreal. I also like works by Paritosh Sen, Sunil Das, Jogen Chowdhury and Ganesh Pyne.

Have you ever thought of coming back to modelling?

I am on a completely different journey. I feel very complete with my creativity.

Best assignment as a model...

I did a lot of ad campaigns and all of them were very memorable. It was all very versatile.

Do you miss modelling?

No! I am always looking for something different to do. I am trying to have a dialogue with myself.

Joy Guha model-turned-actress

Best show you’ve done till date...

All of them are close to my heart. I distinctly remember a De Beers show, which I had done at Taj Bengal. It was a very classy show.

What brought you back to modelling?

I never gave up modelling! I was in the UK for five years from September 2003. I did a course in fashion designing and management from London College of Fashion. I have modelled in the UK, too. I have done lots of shows for Asiana Magazine & Wedding.

If not a model you would have been…

Definitely something to do with fashion and films.

A designer you’ve loved working with…

Sabyasachi (Mukherjee)… my one and only favourite. He thinks out of the box!

How has the industry in Calcutta changed over the years?

Not much as far as a model’s remuneration is concerned… But I can’t really say because I have done very little work in Calcutta after I have come back. Only Airtel and Anjali Jewellers.

Sonal Rawat model, anchor and grooming expert

A memorable ramp moment in Calcutta...

It has to be the first show that I took part in — Sonar Sansar. I think it was in 2000. A lot of very senior models were also part of the show. So, it was very special for me!

Who gave you the first break?

There have been inputs from a lot of people. But the one person who really encouraged me was Prabirda (the late make-up artist Prabir De). He is the one who guided me through everything. He was the best! And I miss him terribly.

What is the biggest difference between the scene in Mumbai and Calcutta?

The first thing that strikes you is that you have no family to go back to. So, you start feeling extremely homesick. Then there would be days when you wouldn’t get good work. In terms of work culture, people are far more professional here (Mumbai). They know what they want and ways to get it.

One good thing about modelling in Calcutta...

It is a small fraternity. The gossip is lively and always a lot of fun. On some days there would just be adda. You might fight, but you always remained friends, something that might not happen in Mumbai. In Calcutta, it is one good, happy family.

CELINA JAITLEY model-turned-actress

A memorable Calcutta show...

My first show... a New Year show choreographed by the late Ashish Banerjee. I got my first taste of the glamour high that night. It was back in 1998.

What do you miss about the city?

Everything. The beautiful buildings, my close friends Hena, Amjad, Viraj... the Calcutta biryani, Flurys, Tangra, Durga Puja, The Telegraph. Most of all the constant source of strength and the courage I developed growing up in beautiful Calcutta. However, most of all I miss my guide, teacher, guardian, the late make-up artist Prabir De whom I owe so much to. When you look at Calcutta, it’s like reading the hopes, aspirations and pride of everyone who built it.

Your favourite Calcutta designer...

Pepsi (Sabyasachi)! When no one came forward to help me with costumes at the time I was going for Miss India, Sabyasachi was an angel sent from God. He is the most talented designer and one of the most wonderful human beings in the world.

Koena Mitra model-turned-actress

Did the Calcutta industry prepare you for Mumbai?

My experience counted. I pushed myself to learn things that I wanted to and I was very dedicated. I wanted to be in Mumbai and work here. At that time there was a lot of politics between groups in Calcutta. One group would not be working with the other models. I was in school (South Point) at that time and I used to do shows for pocket money. They wanted to bind us with a contract and I don’t think that helped us grow.

But I tried my best in my own little way and I shone in Calcutta. Then Gladrags Supermodel happened and I went to Miss Intercontinental where I came second out of contestants from 84 countries. When I came to Mumbai I had my own identity of a title-holder, yet people in Calcutta were suddenly claiming that I was their protégé. I don’t like the attitude and the thinking of certain people in Calcutta.

But the city, my family and my friends, the culture and tradition are all unique. Everywhere a Bengali girl goes there is a lot of expectation from her. Other Bengali models or actresses before me have set up a platform for us. So people do have a lot of expectations.

A memorable Calcutta show...

My first ever show… I was in school and I think I was in Class IX. Nayanika Chatterjee was choreographing the show and she selected me. That was my first break.

What do you miss about the city?

I miss the food. Though I am not a foodie, I like that whole Bengali khana — machher jhol, shorshe bata and posto. I have two cooks — one Punjabi and one Maharashtrian and they are brilliant. But somehow mom’s cooking is the only thing that I miss in Mumbai.

Your favourite Calcutta designer...

I love Anamika’s (Khanna) work. Then the next name that comes to mind is Sabyasachi (Mukherjee). He was my neighbour and when I was in Class VIII, I was buying chocolates from a para store. He looked at me and asked, “Excuse me, what’s your name?” I was like, “Who is this stranger trying to talk to me?!” Then he was like, “Do you think you want to be a model?” I said that I hadn’t thought about it. He said, “I see a supermodel in you.” Then we became friends. When I was leaving for Gladrags, he went out of his way to do stuff for me.