Every time you wake up with a dangling mug of coffee, moping the corners of your eyes and peering the ‘HT’ city, you will find this guy uttering a sprightly ‘hi’ out of any advertisement situated at every nook and crony of it. Be it the Timex, Thumbs Up, Airtel or Intel, Narender Sihag is a rage among advertisement agencies.
Malaysian Fashion Week was where this guy gave many international models run for their ‘esteem’( besides, money, looks, work and et al ). And then to add others’ woes, an Indonesian magazine, ‘AAA’, featured him and he again sacked the laurels, wonders, applause and some more ‘gaped’ applause for his stoned…..oopz…! toned stony visage ( he has this strong repugnance with drugs and booze) . A gladiator-esque with steadfast eyes Narender Sihag, hails from a small town of Bhiwani in Haryana. But this guy has always dreamt bigger and worked harder to materialize his dreams and honor himself with clean and pure life.
“Working out is a religion for me, consistency and dedication as its tenets and health and fitness as blessings”….says, Narender, in a self assured baritone. Getting his portfolio done, he circulated it everywhere to merely find himself in a tizzy as there was no ‘door-knocking’ for three months. Heart-wrenched but still debonair, he got a call from a magazine and thus there cropped up a model who became an inspiration for the youth back in his home town.
So we pinned down Narender to effuse the twists and cusps of his fabulous journey and the blood and the flesh which forms him ‘The Narender Sihag’.
Tell us briefly about your family and schooling?
I was born in Bhiwani in a traditional and close knit Haryanvi family. My father had a transferable job due to which I attended many schools, each of which taught me something different about life. Eventually, I grew up as a grounded person with a strong will to tackle and overcome problems of the modern day life. Fitness has always been an obsession with me and I cannot remember a single day when I did not sweat out in the gym. At the same time, I was very much passionate about the world of modeling and it appealed me at every phase of my life.
What is your parents’ point of view on you choosing modeling as a career?
Initially, my parents, being conservative, were not supportive. However, gradually with the help of my sisters, they started supporting me.
When and what was your first modeling assignment?
Immediately, after school, I joined college as a regular student for one year. Then, I shifted to Delhi where I had access to a gym. Gradually, I became the chief instructor in the gym. During this time, I also qualified as a Reebok trained instructor. This is where I got my first break. I met many renowned models from whom I learnt various aspects of modeling. Initially, I did a few advertisements (Timex watches, M magazine etc–) and Elite Modeling agency signed me thereafter. I have participated in many national and international events such as the Wills Fashion Week, Malaysian Fashion Week, shoot for Indonesian magazine & couture fashion week, to name a few.
How you bumped into your first assignment?
Initially, on the advice of a model at the gym, I had a portfolio made with the help of the photographer Sachin Sagar. After circulating the portfolio, I was little worried, as I did not get a call from anyone for three months. Out of the blue a magazine approached me for an advertisement stint. It was after this that Elite saw my photographs and signed me. Thereafter, there was no turning back.
What did you aspire to become as kid?
I always wanted to be a model and dreamed of being an actor both on stage, television and on the big screen. But modeling has been my passion- the bright lights and the attraction of being special with finest designer clothes is something I cannot describe.
PEEK-A-BOO
FAVORITE FOOD : Raspberry Banana Milk Shake and Kadhai paneer, missy roti with lots of butter on it……yummy!!
FAVORITE PERFUME : Calvin Klein Euphoria
FAVORITE INTIMATE WEAR BRAND : Mark & Spencer
FAVORITE DESIGNER : Rohit Gandhi
FAVORITE HOLIDAY DESTINATION : Mauritius.
THING YOU HATE AND LOVE MOST : I hate showing off in public. I also have strict no to drugs and booze. Other than these, I don’t like people disrespecting humanity. I love to live a clean life with a balanced mind and a good reputation.
THING YOU ARE ADDICTED TO : Physical fitness and cleanliness.
YOU ARE SCARED OF : Anything that brings infamy to me
MUSIC YOU LOVE TO LISTEN TO : Depends on my mood. Mostly, I listen to contemporary Hindi film songs. I also enjoy listening to Enrique.
Which shows( designers) and commercials have you graced with your presence?
I have done print commercials for Thumbs Up, Airtel, Intel, Timex, Red & White, Life & Style and many more. And talking about designers, I have worked for the likes of Anjalee, Arjun kapoor and Gaurav Gupta. I have also shot for magazines such as Men’s health, Marie Claire, M magazine, India Today and an Indonesian magazine ààà.
Your greatest achievement?
Ramp Show in Kuala Lumpur…:). Secondly whenever I go back home to Bhiwani, I see young boys working out and building body. They say that they have got this inspiration from me.
What do you think of Bollywood as a career option?
Working with Bollywood will be a dream coming true for me. I would love to have a break in Bollywood. To turn this dream into reality, I have attended workshops in acting and have also participated in plays. Besides this, I am currently volunteering to run a theater workshop in the blind women school located in Hauz Khas, New Delhi.
When not modeling what are you most likely to be found doing?
Reading and listening music besides my regular exercise routine.
Any social cause that you feel strongly for and want to be( or you are ) associated with?
As I said before, I am associated with a blind school where besides doing theatre work, I work as a reader for visually handicapped girls.
What is your dream destination?
To reach to the top ladder of the modeling world.
What has been the most touching moment of your life?
When I got my first modeling assignment, that moment is so close to my heart.
Your take on this industry?
This industry gives a promising career but hard work is a key to it.
What is fashion for you?
It’s my life!
Your icon/ role model in life?
Still searching for one.
Your take on work pressure leading models to substance abuse and suicides?
Keeping a balanced mind by practicing yoga, which I learnt as a child, have always helped me in facing adversities of life. This way, I am confident that I will shield myself from such challenges.
