With stars in their eyes, dreams in their heads and the hope of walking the international catwalks of Paris, Milan and New York, seven girls and ten boys from across India fought bravely on the ramp to win the title of the Max Elite Model Look 2014.
Held in India by the world-famous Elite modelling agency – which discovered supermodels like Cindy Crawford, Giselle Bundchen and Alessandra Ambrosio among many other formidable names – the young contestants were judged by Marc Robinson and designer Narendra Kumar at a glittering event in Mumbai last night.
Of course, only one boy and one girl could walk away with the much coveted title and they will go on to take part in the finals which will be held in China later this year.
While most of the contenders were supermodel material, the judges picked Vijaya Sharma and Rinku Mallik (yes, he’s a guy), as the winners.
Post the crowning ceremony, we spoke to them briefly and here’s what they told us:
Team MissMalini: What did you learn by taking part in this contest?
Vijaya Sharma: Since this is being held by an international modeling agency, we were taught how to be “international” in the form of our poise, the way we walk and through grooming by professionals in the field. I now have my eyes set on winning the contest in China.
Rinku Mallik: I have taken part in Mr. India Global 2013, last year and even won the title of Mr. Dazzling. But through this contest, I learnt how to be confident, how to present myself well and how to walk with grace on the ramp.
Team MM: Any Bollywood ambitions?
VS: Right now, I just want to focus on becoming an international supermodel and for that I have to focus on winning the worldwide contest in China. I don’t mind Bolywood at a later stage.
RM: Yes, I would love to make it big in Bollywood. I’m currently learning acting as well.
Team MM: Who do you think is the most stylish person in Bollywood?
VS: Deepika Padukone! She carries herself so gracefully and wears everything with so much style.
RM: Sidharth Malhotra. He’s my idol.
When asked why they picked Vijaya and Rinku as the winners, contest judge Narendra Kumar told us, “They both have a look which would have global appeal and a body which is ideal for the international catwalk. They both were also pretty confident on the ramp and that impressed us.”
Adds Marc Robison, the other judge for the event, “Vijaya has a great body structure, she walks well, clothes drape well on her 5.8″ frame and she loves fashion. Clearly, she was a winner. As for Rinku, he has a fresh look and is just twenty-one years old. Since most of our current lot of models look jaded, its great to have a new supermodel to look out for in the fashion industry.”
Pix: Viral Bhayani for MissMalini