One of the top models of the country, Rikee Chatterjee has been a regular at the country’s top fashion events ever since the Bengali belle started modelling. Close to a decade of walking the ramp and for all the biggies like Tarun Tahiliani, Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Anamika Khanna and Wendell Rodricks, the 5’11’’ ramp-scorcher from Jamshedpur impresses with her humility and warmth when you catch up with her. We spotted her taking a stroll at The India Story presented by Neotia Arts Trust, in association with t2, at Swabhumi, in December, post the gala opening fashion show, where she walked in Anju Modi. A chat.
You are back in Kolkata after how long?
After a really long time because I haven’t done shows for two years now. It was a good experience... it’s been amazing and I am glad that I stayed back for at least a night and got to explore.
What do you enjoy most about being in Kolkata?
Everything! I mean the vibe. There’s something about Kolkata. I come here and I really want to stay long but it never happens. I have so much work and I have to always go back, but I am sure I am going to come back just to explore because I have never done that. I have never stayed in Kolkata or experienced going alone and exploring Kolkata, the villages too. My mom comes from Asansol and my dad too and I want to see more of it.
As a kid, I don’t have many memories of it, but whatever I have, it is amazing. I think about it often. I am sure I will come back very soon.
Your Instagram pictures are giving us life goals. You’ve been living the best life in the last one year...
I have been living the life ever since I have been a part of this fashion industry. It has given me everything. It is a dream come true. Obviously there were ups and downs and there was a lot of hard work and more than that, there was a lot of struggle, but I think it was worth it. When I see myself now, it was all worth it. When you have patience, hard work and so much dedication for something you enjoy and are passionate about... that’s it.
But, something changed last year. There was magic in your posts...
Actually, nothing changed. For me, I work and I make sure that I balance when it comes to family, my boyfriend and taking out time to travel. Even though the pandemic was heartbreaking, when it came to my life... I love being home and enjoy being with my rescued pets.
It was good to see that others who really struggle to find that family time kind of bond with their family or people who don’t get time for themselves, it was nice to see them get that time.
Any revised life goals for you?
My purpose of life has always been the same, it’s about today and how I want to live today. I have always lived in the moment and everyone should do that and relish that moment. Go with the flow. I have always gone by my heart and intuition and it’s been amazing. Enjoy me time. Don’t wait for things to happen. Do it. If you want to go for a holiday, just do it. If you want to take care of yourself, do it because there is no tomorrow. That’s the mantra for ever
