Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Hyderabad
MODEL sisters
|
Tapur and Tupur Chatterjee on what modelling means to them
|
Tapur and Tupur: Setting the ramp on fire. Pic by R_Ragu
A SLEW of leggy models has just finished the ramp rounds for design diva Ritu Kumar. It's pack-up time, but model sisters Tapur and Tupur Chatterjee are ready to turn the charm faucet on. Fashionbiz today is incomplete without the twins. Known for their striking similarity and versatile looks, the two have set many a ramp on fire.
Blushing a beet red, following the flood of adulation from the audience, the two take a break for a brief chat. And guess what, they also speak in unison. "It's fun being sisters in the same profession. We have so much in common. And because of our identical looks, people often get us mixed up," they gush.
As they pose for pictures with an air of nonchalance, they continue, "Modelling today is not about perfect faces and perfect bodies. It's about attitude and body language. There are emotions involved too. To carry a certain look — be it ethnic or western, you have to emote."
Stressful profession
As the two go about striking poses, you are convinced about what they say. Their body language is not just expressive, but distinct as well. "Yes, over the years, models too evolve a style of their own. You can't afford to be one among the many."
To the question whether the profession is not organised, the two reply, "You have to persevere to make it. Thankfully, we depend on choreographers for chances. It could be tough otherwise. People often think it's a cool job. In reality, it's stressful. Yet, modelling gives us a high. It's a great feeling to be on the ramp. We enjoy it every time we do a show."
And what exactly are their strengths on the ramp? "Well, perhaps our flawless skin and the ability to carry off diverse looks," smile the two who are ramp staples at the Lakme India Fashion Week and major fashion events in the country.
Being models, have they ever felt exploited at any point of time? "Exploitation exists in every profession. What's important is that one should know where to draw the line," say the cheery sisters, who "prefer to spend quality time with close friends instead of partying endlessly for page 3's sake."
About making forays into the international scene, the two say that a lot depends on the package. "If we feel comfortable we take it up, otherwise we reject it. Staying away from home for a long time is out of the question. We feel homesick too fast."
Ramp life is pretty short. Would success on the ramp mean transition to films? "That's the natural course these days. But we are not interested as of now. We have problems making even short term plans. We just take each day as it comes."
T. KRITHIKA REDDY
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Hyderabad
|
