For countless young girls and women around the world, a career in modelling continues to hold a significant allure. The industry has witnessed considerable changes over the past decade regarding how it is perceived and approached, making it even more enticing to enter the glamorous world of fashion. Modelling offers flexibility and opens the door to exciting collaborations, as well as opportunities in acting, entrepreneurship, and advocacy, all while helping individuals build confidence and refine their self-expression. However, this path is not without its challenges. For our special International Women’s Day feature, we approached some former models of Calcutta who have experienced the industry’s highs and survived the lows. They demonstrated resilience, forged their own identities within the industry, and either transitioned to new ventures or returned with a renewed passion for the profession. Their stories reflect the journeys that shaped them, tested them, and ultimately defined who they are today.

A t2 chat with Pinky Kenworthy, Nicola Gomes, Madhabilata Mitra, Reshmi Ghosh and Tina Mukherjee on their ‘then’ and ‘now’.

THEN

Do you remember your first modelling assignment?

Pinky Kenworthy: It was at Netaji Indoor Stadium for an export house show. The venue was huge and buzzing with people. There were around 50 models, I felt tiny and a little lost.
Madhabilata Mitra: My first modelling assignment was a trial shoot for designer Kiran Uttam Ghosh in 2006.
Nicola Gomes: It was the 0220 Fashion Show and was held at Ballygunge Ice Skating Rink. I had just passed my ICSE.
Tina Mukherjee: It was my summer break and I had participated in a contest my aunt organised. I didn’t even own a pair of heels till then! I did not win anything but one of the judges was Ashish Banerjee, who was the city’s top choreographer. He asked me to meet him in the office and the rest, like they say, is history!
Reshmi Ghosh: It was in 1999. My portfolio was shot by Sanatda (Ghosh) and one picture was used in a matrimonial column. It was followed by my audition and selection for the Junior Horlicks ad campaign. I never had to look back since then.

Was modelling a dream or destiny?

Tina: I was just another rebellious teenager riding bikes in torn jeans and sneakers and listening to rock n roll… completely clueless about what I wanted to be!
Pinky: My father was in the army, and we had just moved to Calcutta. I was 15, and my friends casually suggested that I try ramp modelling at a party. My parents were easy to convince!
Madhabilata: I got introduced to modelling through Sananda Tilottama 2006. On the eighth attempt, I won the title. I think it was destiny and hard work.

Nicola: My school friend Christina Odath, who now lives in Dubai, had convinced me to go for an audition. I was very shy and busy with academics. It was definitely destiny’s call!
Reshmi: I totally manifested it. But more than modelling, I wanted to be an actor.

Did you have a role model while growing up?

Madhabilata: My mentor Nayanika Chatterjee and Madhu Sapre.
Nicola: I liked Naomi Campbell because of her walk, poise, confidence and unconventional looks.
Tina: I absolutely loved Nina Manuel. Calcutta back in the days was very stereotypical — fair girl, big eyes and long hair. All things I was not, and I loved how Nina completely changed the way a woman should look with her dark complexion, short hair and muscular look.
Pinky: I admired Christy Turlington, Claudia Schiffer and Linda Evangelista… the Indian modelling industry was still at a very nascent stage when I began.
Reshmi: Sushmita Sen and Milind Soman. The way they would conduct and present themselves inspired me and Sushmita being a Bengali, I used to manifest winning like her.

When you look back at your modelling days now what stands out for you?

Madhabilata: Being crowned Sananda Tilottama in 2006 was a life-changing moment for me in my journey. Modelling gave me a passion and opportunities for growth; it taught me discipline, strong work ethic, and how to handle success and sacrifices. It taught me self-love and humility.
Nicola: Modelling gave me my identity. It changed me as a person, my personality and my whole life! I was earning my own money, travelling around the country and abroad. I have been very fortunate to have such a long and successful innings. One that really stands out for me is the fashion show choreographed by Marc Robinson at The Park, Kolkata. The designer was Manoviraj Khosla and I was selected to open the show with the iconic Madhu Sapre. It must have been my third show. I was relatively new, super excited and nervous!
Pinky: My modelling years were incredibly exciting because that was when everything was just beginning to take shape. It was a time when remarkable designers were emerging, brilliant make-up and hair artists were finding their voice, and a whole generation of amazing models was coming into the spotlight. There was so much creativity in the air. Everything felt new, experimental, and full of energy. For me, the most exciting part was that I was right in the middle of it all, in the thick of that moment as it was unfolding. Looking back now, almost every moment feels like a turning point in my journey. That constant sense of discovery is what made those years so special.
Tina: It was the golden era of modelling in Calcutta. For an 18-year-old me, it was a great adventure. But modelling for me was also something I did like a job, it was not my whole existence. As an unconventional looking girl, I was not a big choice for Calcutta brands but walked for the national designer shows that happened in Calcutta.
Reshmi: I look back at it all with a sense of gratitude. I was very scared when I began but I worked a lot. When I look back, more than me winning the title (Miss India Earth in 2002), I remember the journey I went through. Almost everyday I used to call my mother and say that I want to come back. But it was the pageant that helped me to grow. My education was solid but I learnt so much about the practical world from the pageant. My first turning point was Tilottama, then winning the national pageant title, and definitely getting into Hindi serials — that changed a lot for me.

What were your initial challenges in the profession and how did modelling empower you as an individual?

Pinky: One of the biggest challenges for me was my height, especially in the Delhi and Bombay shows. I realised that if I wanted to stay, I had to bring something more. I worked on my walk, my presence and the way I carried the clothes. My focus was always to make the garment come alive. And in many ways, that challenge became my greatest strength.
My upbringing in a military family always made me feel very empowered and confident. We moved every two years, constantly adapting, and those experiences build resilience. Modelling only strengthened that confidence. It taught me hard work, time management, to gracefully handle situations and confidence. In many ways, it became the foundation of the person I have grown into.
Tina: Balancing my studies with my modelling was challenging, but I did a good balancing act. Modelling definitely made me a more confident person. I started right out of school, so it opened up a whole new world for me and helped me to figure out a big part of myself.
Madhabilata: No matter the challenges I faced, persistence, a positive mindset, effective communication skills, strategic planning, hard work, composure, and a supportive network of family and friends always helped me in my journey. Modelling helped me to be self-assured and attain financial freedom.
Nicola: Being shy and awkward were my initial challenges but focusing on my assets such as my height, body, walk and my looks helped me to overcome it. My confidence grew and I excelled in my performance. Modelling empowered me by making me confident, responsible, professional and self-reliant. It taught me teamwork, competitiveness, resourcefulness, and to handle criticism. It made me financially independent and I grew up overnight.
Reshmi: Being scared of public interaction was my initial challenge. The pageant participation really helped me to overcome it. I changed professionally but did not change my core values. It helped me to polish my wisdom and brought confidence to my personality. The pageantry training was very important for me to open up as an individual.

NOW

Priyanka A. Roy
 Pictures: Pabitra Das
Jewellery: Style Addict by Uzma Firoz
Hair, make-up and styling:
Kaushik Rajat
Location: The Park Hotel, Kolkata