Meet lingerie & swimwear model Ritika Gulati, from India.
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Profile
· Name - Ritika Gulati
· Nickname - Ritz
· Education (from preschool to now) – Graduate, Professional Makeup artist from MUD (Make-up Designory)
· Age - 21
· Bust - 36
· Waist - 24
· Hips - 36
· Height – 5’ 6”
· Eye colour – Black
· Life’s motto – There is only one life and it is beautiful – I want to live life Queen Size.
· Biggest achievements in life –
o 2nd runner up in Miss Delhi 2012
o Cover girl for Debonair Magazine Dec 2012 issue
o Cover of “Aaj ki Dilli” magazine Nov 2012 issue
· Siblings – 2 younger brothers & 1 younger sister
· Modelling profile
§ Fashion/High-Fashion
§ Casual
§ Swimwear
§ Lingerie
§ Events
§ Commercial
§ Promotional
§ Ramp Shows
§ Short movies
o Not open for Body paint & Nude modelling.
Ritika, you are well experienced judging by the number of shoots and work you have done. Do you feel like you are number one now and tell us about your journey so far?
It’s been only a few months since I started modelling and so far it has been a good journey. I am still learning and growing as a model and definitely would keep working hard to achieve my dreams of being a top model. I am a fast learner and believe in hard work which always pays.
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I always felt good looking at my photos and was never camera shy but never thought of becoming a model till I won the 2nd runner up position in Miss Delhi 2012. I did my professional makeup course from Indian arm of MUD (Make-up Designory) which is run by well-known personality – Blossom Kochhar.
My mother has been a pillar of strength in my life and she has supported me in every decision that I take. In fact I am so lucky that in spite of coming from a very conservative family, my mother has no objection in me wearing bikinis.
During my makeup course, one of my friends told me about the Miss Delhi competition and I decided to take my chances and participated. This was my first ever public appearance and the whole process made me learn a lot. One of the best moments of my life was when my mother was called on stage to stand next to me when I was given the 2nd runner up trophy.
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One of the most prestigious achievements in your life was being 2nd runner up at Miss Delhi 2012. How was your experience and what made you the 2nd runner up and not the winner?
Participating in Miss Delhi 2012 was an amazing experience. There were 20 girls and we spent 2 months together learning and preparing for the finale. The whole show had a theme of – “Youth against Corruption“ and we participated in a lot of public activities to convey the message to the general public. We performed street plays and did flash mobs in market places to convey the theme message.
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When I look back and analyse as to why I was not crowned Miss Delhi 2012, I think it was all to do with question answer round where I faltered primarily because of stage fear when I am asked to talk. I am most comfortable on stage when it comes to dancing and ramp walks. I have to work on my speaking skills on stage which I have started doing.
I see you being in many fashion editorials which contains swimwear, lingerie etc. As an experienced model what are the dos and don’ts in such sensitive area of fashion?
Being a lingerie & swimwear model in India is not easy – it has its ups and downs. It takes a lot of confidence to become a lingerie & swimsuit model. You need to be in great shape and comfortable with your body.
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Even in this era of modern India, there is a section of people who would look at you with disrespect and pass lewd comments – you have to learn to ignore them. It is very important that you select the right photographer to work with as in this area there is a very thin line of difference between “vulgarity” and “classy & sensual”.
Before saying yes to any assignment, it is important to do a background check on the client and the photographer. I was very fortunate to find Neil Almeida who helped me learn and also made me very comfortable – true professional relationship.
Lingerie & swimsuit modelling is not easy as it may seem:- wear a skimpy outfit, take a few photos and go home. No, it is actually quite gruelling; a single frame may take hours worth of rejected photos to be found. This means you will face long days as a lingerie & swimsuit model. Be prepared to smile (and mean it) on command. Learn to work the camera as much with your eyes as with your body. You need to bring your best game no matter whether you are sick, exhausted or just not in the mood.
One has to be always cautious of the assignment that you are getting into. It is important to do a complete background check before saying yes as there is this huge misconception about lingerie & swimsuit models being ready for casting couch. I make it very clear up front that if there is even a hint of casting couch, it’s a big NO. It is important to read between the lines while signing any contract and make sure that clauses supporting you are put in the contract before one signs on the dotted line. One has to practise common sense and listen to your instincts to stay out of dangerous situations.
So this is a question I ask from every off shore model, Ritika what’s your view on Sri Lanka?
I have never visited Sri Lanka but have heard a lot about the beautiful country from my friends. They talk about white sandy beaches with clear blue water. I have heard that it’s a very popular honeymoon destination with most Indians. I would love to shop at Odel and House of Fashions in Colombo. Sri Lankan people welcome everyone with open arms and I would love to visit and shoot on those sandy beaches. Looking forward for an opportunity Sri Lankan photographers – please note.
With the hours of hard work and dedication you put up – where does all this lead?
My ambition is to become India’s top most swimwear & lingerie model and also be well known as a dancer in an item song in a big banner Hindi movie. I have just started my journey and have a long way to go – working towards it.
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Describe the support you have from family and friends?
Two very important people who have supported and helped me so far in my journey are my mom and my good friend and photographer Neil Almeida. Mom has always supported my dreams and never stopped me from doing anything as she is aware that I will not do anything which will disrespect her. Neil has not only taught me how to look classy in lingerie and swimwear but also the ways of this industry. I keep consulting him from time to time to make sure that I am doing the right things. He is one photographer with whom I am most comfortable.
Interview by Jayantha Fernando
Photographs by Neil Grake / India
0 Comments
Most Wanted says:
Jan 30, 2013 at 12:00 amShe's melting...
donny says:
Jan 31, 2013 at 12:00 ami'm typing with my left hand.....
chhuung says:
Jan 31, 2013 at 12:00 amhot chick