A very fresh face in the industry, Batasha Varma had been on the fashion scene for barely six months when she signed up with Elite Model Management as she was thoroughly bored and was doing nothing else!

She doesn’t like to do ramp since it doesn’t interest her much. Some of her works include shoots for FNL including a cover for FNL central, a shoot for cosmopolitan, Tata GSM phones and her favorites, a shoot for the designer store WHITE and the one for Talwar Jewelers.

She is very passionate about everything she does. A lover of books, food, fashion and travelling, she likes to spend a considerable amount of time with her friends. She comes from a very close knit family. She has 5 dogs and keeps adopting more! She loves to cook and can be constantly in the kitchen. In the near future she plans to continue with modeling and also start her very own food retail business.

She believes that there are always exceptions but more often than not, the industry will treat you as you allow yourself to be treated. Meet the very interesting Batasha Varma.

Family and Academics…
My father is a diplomat, an author and an intellectual. So, I had what most people would call an unconventional childhood. I grew up all over the world. I was born in Romania and lived in New York, Moscow, Cyprus and finally in London, where I went to the university and then worked with The Sunday Times as a reporter for a year and a half. Our parents encouraged us to read and speak our minds and since they were always entertaining, from a very young age I learnt to make conversation with just about anyone!!

Parent’s reaction to your choice of modeling as a career…
My parents support me in whatever I decide to do. I depend on their support and they trust me to make my own decisions.

First modeling assignment…
My first modeling assignment with Elite was a print advertisement for the new Tata GSM phone. But my first ever modeling assignment was when I was 17 years old, for a television commercial for the United Colors of Benetton. They approached me to do the ad, but I still had my braces in my mouth. I had them removed for the ad but I’d worn them for so long that they literally had to teach me to smile, showing my teeth, without being self conscious!!

Greatest achievement till date…
There are some things I am proud of – being published by the Hindustan Times group when I was just 17 years old, working for The Sunday Times in London… but as cheesy as it sounds, I think my greatest achievement till date would be the fact that I’ve surrounded myself with so many people who I love and who love me and have a great support system of family and friends.

Idea of an ideal date
My idea of an ideal date is one that is both comfortable and romantic, with lots of chemistry, laughter and a good meal!!

When not modeling what are you most likely to be found doing…
Sitting in bed in my pajamas reading a book, preferably in Bhutan where my father is currently the Indian Ambassador. It’s like a paradise on earth and my constant and favorite retreat. And I get to spend lots of time with my family and 5 dogs.

Five essentials for a model to climb the ladder of success…

  • Good looks
  • A great body
  • Work ethics
  • Good networking skills
  • Being at the right place at the right time.

Views on Indian vs. Western models…
I think western models are hungrier, younger, and fresher, but I think Indian models are prettier, more striking and have a much longer shelf life.

Quick snippets  

FAVORITE FOOD: Sashimi, Dimsums, All soups, Butter chicken, dal makhani and home food.

FAVORITE PERFUME: Keeps changing… for now it’s Bvlgari Rose Essentielle

FAVORITE LINGERIE BRAND: La Senza

FAVORITE DESIGNER:  Chanel, Alexander McQueen, Miu Miu, Prada, Marchesa, YSL, Christian Louboutin, Le Silla, and for Indian – Suneet Varma and my mother… who designs half my Indian clothes.

FAVORITE HOLIDAY DESTINATION: Bhutan, Maldives, London

FAVOURITE MUSIC: Alternative

YOUR GREATEST FEAR: Losing a loved one.

YOUR PIECE OF ADVICE FOR UPCOMING MODELS: Be professional, be confident and stand up for yourself. Nobody else is going to do it for you.