Model Parakh Madan. Telegraph picture

Ranchi, Sept. 12: Though she was born in the small city of Bhilai and brought up in Ranchi, nothing could stop Parakh Madan from making it big in the world of showbiz.

Brimming with confidence and complete faith in herself, Parakh was sure of being successful in transforming her dreams into reality. In January 2006, Parakh made it to the Ponds Femina Miss India contest before being crowned the Streax Savvy Covergirl.

Besides, Parakh went to win a rock star hunt on Discovery Channel and acted in an action thriller TV series. In 2005, Parakh was featured as “hot stuff” in Mumbai Times City before she took the modelling world by storm.

While talking over the phone from Mumbai, Parakh said she is longing to visit Ranchi after she completes a serial on Star One, Saathi Re, in which she plays the female lead.

Parakh said she is on the lookout for better work. Currently residing in Andheri with her relatives, Parakh after completing her Plus Two from Delhi Public School, Ranchi, in 2001 shifted to Delhi to pursue a four-year course in fashion designing and information technology from National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT). She passed out in 2005.

Parakh felt nostalgic recalling about her school. “All my teachers and the principal played a major role in instilling moral values in me. I would love visiting my school,” said Parakh. DPS principal Mahesh Bareja also remembers Parakh for being actively involved in all activities.

“She was a good dancer and used to take part in lot of extra-curricular activities. We had no idea that she has earned fame in the world of television and modelling,” Bareja added.

Parakh Madan is a trained and accomplished kathak dancer and has been giving performances for the past 16 years. Even noted theatre personality Ajay Malkani remembers her fondly.

She learnt kathak from late Manju Malkani for 12 years and always used to give splendid performances on stage. While pursuing her graduation, she joined the NIFT from where she passed out as the “Best Academic Student”. For Parakh, her parents mean the world to her as they have given her all the support.

Parakh proudly said: “My parents have both worked their whole lives for their children’s happiness and prosperity. If I am able to achieve something in my life, I would feel blessed to show what they mean to me.”

Referring to model Geetanjali Nagpal, who was seen begging on streets of Delhi, Parakh puts a word of caution for aspiring models.

Parakh says that one should complete their education as nothing is predictable.

“Before I thought of venturing into this field I decided to have a strong educational background so that in case I am unable to sustain myself, I can always fall on the education and still be independent,” said Parakh. A useful tip for aspiring models.

Parakh also has strong support at home. “Those who want to venture into the modelling world, should have complete family support. I was very lucky as my parents had supported me strongly,” she said.