If you grew up in the ’90s, you would have seen Ujjwala Raut on various magazine covers, brands, and ramps, both international and national. As the Femina Look of the Year 1996 winner, she became one of the most well-recognized faces from India in the f ashion capital of the world: Paris , and also New York. However, Raut, one of India’s first supermodels, believes the term “supermodel” is highly misinterpreted in the country and explains why their relevance isn’t what it used to be.
She also shares insights about her projects, experiences as a young mother, the decline of supermodels, and what she misses from her earlier days. Read the edited excerpts below: Q. You are one of India’s first supermodels.
But they no longer exist. What led to their relevance fading away from the fashion world? Ujjwala Raut: Thank you for that. The definition of supermodel is not interpreted correctly in India.
A supermodel does a lot more than just “catwalk” –– campaigns, covers, editorials, shows, and also works in other countries. Going global is crucial. The reason they no longer exist in India is that the people who valued models back in the day are no longer in power or position to demand the same things.
The reason supermodels no longer exist in India is that the people who valued them are no longer in positions of power. Those who are in charge now are only looking to undercut the talent. In India, it is often quantity over quality.
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