In this era of booming economy, growing consumerism, media and mall mania, coupled with fast growth of the fashion industry, modelling attracts a large number of Youngsters, both females and males, as a career Option. It is a glamorous profession but it isn't a bed of roses. One has to slog like anything for months and years together to make it to the top .. What we see in live shows Or in different ad campaigns, no doubt, looks quite exciting but at the same time modelling is a very taxing profession. A model has to look gorgeous, fresh - simply ravishing. All this is not simple because it involves a lot of hard work and self control. Their looks are important, therefore they have to control their diet. In fact, they may have to starve themselves because physical attributes play the most Important role. After all a model has to look good in all kinds of dresses - from sarees to evening gowns. Modelling is of various types - Ramp modelling, modelling for ad campaigns which includes photographic sessions, T.V. commercials, etc.

Personality/Physical attributes

A good height (at least 5 feet 6 inches). Models are not necessarily beautiful as we all know but they should be extremely attractive, stunning, tall and very slim. At the same time an expressive face, a devastating smile and graceful movements become equally important. In this profession one has to travel frequently from one place to another, therefore, a love for outdoors becomes a must.

Training

Modelling gives a glamorous life style to successful models and of course money and fame in abundance. Formal training for a career in modelling is possible in metros like Delhi and Mumbai. Those thinking of joining modelling as their career can benefit from the training institutes which give training in style of walking, the way they should make up, selection of accessories, clothes and their grooming, etc.
There are limited training facilities in this field. Some of the fashion houses, fashion show organizers and a few advertising agencies do give training to their models before launching them in their careers in modelling. The newcomers to this profession have to arrange for their portfolio which consists of a number of their photographs in various poses so as to bring out their facial features, distinctive expressions and also their costumes.
Details about their vital statistics include: Age; Height; Bust; Waist; Hips; Colour of eyes; Colour of hair etc.

Some Agencies, Photo-studios and Institutes which offer courses are:

•    Atul Kaobekar, Negative Space Photograper, 94 Municipal Industrial Estate, Worli, Mumbai 18.
•    Aditi Modelling Service, Bangalore( Karnataka), 324, Upper Palace Orchard, Bangalore ( Bangalore (Bengaluru))Dist. – 560080.
•    Boman Irani, Mumbai( Maharashtra), 51/L, Paradise, Shyam Niwas, Bhulabhai Desai Road, Mumbai (Mumbai Dist.) 400026.
•    Catwalk, New Delhi( Delhi), K-40, Hauz Khas Enclave, New Delhi 110016.
•    Elite School of Modelling, B-55, Greater Kailash-I, New Delhi 110048 (Website www.elitemodelsindia.com) offers Programme in Grooming & Deportment.
•    New India Models.Com, 201, Mayur Plaza, LSC Opp. ASN School, Mayur Vihar Phase-I, New Delhi.
•    Glitz, F-100; Lajpat Nagar Phase-II, New Delhi.
•    Platinum Models, A-276, Shivalik, New Delhi.
•    Soft School of Modelling, A-41, MCIE, Mathura Road, New Delhi 110044 (Ph 011-41570000) offer course in Modelling.
•    Sumiko Nanda, B-I04, Gulmohar Park, New Delhi.
•    Suva Das, B-127, Malviya Nagar, New Delhi.
•    Tina Factor, C-31, Defence Colony, New Delhi.
•    The Model, E-12, Basement, Nizamuddin (West), New Delhi 110013.
•    The Ramp, A-22 Gulmohar Park, New Delhi 110049.
•    The Coordinator, Ashoka Apt. Arthur Bunder Road, Colaba, Mumbai.