This young and talented model came under the limelight when she was declared as the second runner’s up in the first season of India’s Next Top Model. That was the time when whole country fell in love with this talented young model but very few knew about her Northeast connect. In fact, Gloria’s mother is from Nagaland and her father is a Malayali from Kerala.
Born and brought up in Nagaland, she completed her schooling in Dimapur. She graduated from Christ University, Bangalore. She also has master’s degree in Psychosocial Clinical Studies from Ambedkar University, Delhi.
What inspired you to take up modelling?
Modelling was a hobby for me and I honestly never thought that I would take it up professionally. But I loved the idea of expressing myself through the art of modelling; it gave me the opportunity to be versatile. I landed up taking modelling a bit seriously after India’s Next Top Model.
Do you remember the first time you walked the ramp, what was going through your mind and how did it feel?
The first time I walked the ramp was for Lakme Fashion Week during India’s Next Top Model Finale. I was excited and nervous, all at the same time. It was amazing but intimidating as well.
What do you like most about your job and what are the challenges?
I love the fact that I get to meet and work with different artistes, every time I go to a set. The challenges are that it takes time to pick up, build contacts and work on the right projects and hence one has to be very patient.
Do you follow a diet or a skincare routine?
I don’t follow any particular diet. I eat Naga food which is basically a lot of greens and boiled food.
As for my skin, I simply wash it twice a day and use a moisturizer and sunscreen. I make sure I keep my lips moisturised with a good lip balm. The less one does, the better it is.
What is the most fun project or campaign you have worked on?
I collaborated for a bikini shoot with few artist friends last year from the industry and we all travelled to Goa to shoot it. We planned the entire shoot ourselves; it was a great learning experience.
Any advice to aspiring models from the Northeast?
It is really important to connect with the right kind of people, don’t just jump into anything in the name of modelling. Be smart, always try to have backup plans. I encourage every youngster who aspires to be a model to take their education seriously as well and never compromise on it.
Remember that it so much more than looking good. You have to take good care of your mental, spiritual and physical health to survive in this industry. Be yourself, have fun and don’t take the critics too seriously, they don’t define your future, you do.
Remain true to your roots, know your limits and strengths and use those to give yourself an advantage. At the end of the day when the lights go down, you should be happy. Above all, surrender everything to God, if it is meant for you then it will surely happen or else something better will come your way.
Future plans?
I have signed up with Inega Model Management and hence I will be moving to Mumbai to explore work opportunities. One can only give one’s best and leave the rest to unfold eventually.
Did You Know?
- Has worked with well-known photographers like Dabboo Ratnani, Colston Julian, Omkar Chitnis, Prahlad Kakkar, Omkar Chitnis, Tarus Taraporvala, Sindhur Reddy, and Raju Raman.
- Modelled for designers/brands such as Little Shilpa, Wendell Rodricks, Quirk Box, Summer House, Montage by Ritika, White Noise etc
As told to Meeta Borah
This interview was first published in Eclectic Northeast January 2018 issue
