Watch Out For Sonali Raut!

The belle born in Mumbai and brought up in Pune, has emerged as one of the hottest sizzlers on the fashion block.

Talking about Sonali's trip to Kolkata for the PC Chandra Jewellers shoot recently, make-up artist Abhijit Chanda says, "Sonali has a fresh face, an almost no make-up look in the beginning." He adds, "She will also be seen as a traditional Bengali bride in the special bridal collection."

The Kingfisher Calendar model, Sonali Raut, shares with us her modelling experience so far...

 

I chose to be a model because I really liked modelling. Apart from the money, fame…you get to travel, meet people, socialise and have good contacts. Things are bright and beautiful, and I really love my profession. I have seen my sister work here. She has good name, fame, money, status...everything!  Basically, when I started off it wasn’t really tough for me. But once you get into it, it’s tough and gruelling. If you are with the right people, then it is easy. But at the end of the day, it is your hard work, determination and your ambition.

 

I am from a commerce background. But then this just happened suddenly! I had gone to a party in 2007 where photographer Atul Kasbekar spotted me.

 

She is a very talented lady. We have a big age difference (nine years). When I was growing up she was famous internationally. That's when I decided that I'd get into modelling, after I am done with my studies.

 

Yes, I did accompany her many-a-times. Whenever I was in Mumbai, I used to feel excited to go for her shows. Interestingly, that time modelling was at a different level. It was beautiful to see her on fashion show ramp. The league of models was different. I have been for her print shoots too.

 

Undoubtedly, I love my sister of course! She's an icon to a lot of girls. But I also like Madhu Sapre. I have been watching her ever since I was a kid. I remember I met her few years back, she is a great person.

There is lot to learn. I knew it is not so easy to join this industry. In 2007, I was shooting for a French Magazine that was celebrating Cannes with Bollywood. This was my third shoot, and we shot at very "real" locations and dhobi ghats. The working process was also very different. I was wearing Emanuel Ungaro, Chanel and Victoria's Secret. I had in mind, how to face the camera and that too in front of so many people, eve-teasing, the press, the stress of shooting at real locations; that was a learning experience.

Basically, I was approached by renowned photographer Atul Kasbekar for the press shoot of the calendar. I was worried about how toned I was. I am very thankful that it happened to me because I wasn't prepared for it and surprisingly it was a sudden affair. It got me a great exposure. After the calendar shoot, I have really changed myself because I feel it is very important to be in good shape and look good always. I drink lot of water and eat healthy balanced diet. Whenever I am free, I workout about thrice a week. I walk and take the stairs whenever possible. Bottom line is I have started thinking healthy all the time.

 

Yes! Once I got selected, I was told by Atul that I need to be in great shape. A model should not be size zero or skinny for the Kingfisher Calendar. I took proper work out and power yoga and was also on a strict diet. I stopped refined carbs atleast for a month.

 

Print any time, any day. Not ramp because I am not very tall, just 5'7". The designers have to really alter for me!

 

Yes, there is. I am constantly being compared to her; but people should understand she is an established model and I am in the industry only since 2007. I believe I am good at what I am doing she is good at what she is doing. There is no point to compare any two persons, each one has different capabilities and diverse looks!

 

She tells me repeatedly, 'be nice, professional and presentable always.'