She went into the modelling arena for experience, but came back with the ultimate crown. That's Emika J. Pakyntein, a 19-year-old from Shillong who was crowned the winner at the Pond's Eclectic Model Hunt 2014 in Guwahati recently.
A first year undergraduate student with English as her major subject, Emika, who stands 5 feet 8 inches, outclassed 19 other contestants from Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland and Sikkim to clinch the prize. There were three girls from Meghalaya, including the first-runner up Sneha Biswa.
In a conversation with t2, Emika speaks her mind and shares her thoughts on the world of modelling and what she feels are requisites for girls from the Northeast to shine on bigger platforms.
You were recently crowned the winner at the Pond's Eclectic Model Hunt 2014. Elated and humbled? And your confidence must have surely got a boost.
Yes, definitely. Winning such a prestigious crown of one of the biggest beauty contests of the Northeast gives me such an exhilarating feeling! I am honoured and thrilled, but at the same time I remain grounded.
Was the event the first of its kind for you? Please share your experience.
Taking part in the model hunt was one of the first and biggest steps I had ever taken. Before the main event, we had training sessions in soft skills and personality development for around 13 days. I was quite intimidated the first day, but as days passed, new bonds were made, both happy and sad moments were shared and I had one of the most memorable experiences. The best learning experience!
Are you contemplating taking up modelling as a career?
Modelling, I believe, is a good career if we are determined, diligent and passionate about it. For me, modelling is my passion and I am willing to work hard for it. However, I have always maintained I will keep my feet firmly on the ground and so I plan to balance my studies with modelling so that I can make the best of two worlds.
Girls from the Northeast seldom make the cut at the highest levels although several fashion shows have been held to prepare them for bigger events. What is your take on this? What more is required to be done to ensure that those with an aptitude for modelling would shine in bigger platforms?
Modelling in the Northeast is a relatively new concept compared to the metros, which have been training aspiring models for decades. We lack the infrastructure in terms of good modelling schools that have full-time courses in modelling where they focus on long-term aspects. Also, in many cultures of the Northeast, modelling is still frowned upon. I firmly believe that attitudes towards modelling have to become more positive, girls with potential have to be groomed from a very early age, must be well-versed in communication skills, manners and etiquette as well as typical modelling requisites. Only then can our girls get greater opportunities on bigger platforms.
From ITA Machkhowa Auditorium, Guwahati, what are your plans?
The excitement has not totally worn off, nor has the feeling of winning really sunk in. But I am sure that being the winner of PEMH 2014 will open many doors for me in the modelling arena. I am gearing up for new opportunities that may come my way. But since I am a student, I need to balance my academics and modelling because both are important to me.
I thank God for being with me throughout. My wonderful parents, my family and friends for their continuous support, and I would also like to express my gratitude to our wonderful mentors Meenu Paul and Loya Agarwala.
Pictures by Tarkik Borah
