Recently chosen for Lakme Fashion Week, Reha Sukheja is on cloud nine these days. Student of second year of majors in economics at Fergusson College, Pune, Reha shot to fame after being selected as the first runners up in I-Am-She contest. Coffee-aholic hyperactive sarcasm poking Reha is a girl next door with je ne sais quoi. So here is Reha in her prototype effervescence and banter.
How is it to be chosen for Lakme Fashion Week ?
Its amazing! Let me be basked in the glory without saying a word…..(smiles)
Tell us briefly about your formative years and academics?
Well, I was born in Kolkata and loved sports or any game that made me look like a complete mess and included falling down. I studied in Pratt Memorial School till class 6, then shifted to Hyderabad and studied in Vidyaranya High School and then Chirec Public School for classes 11 and 12 and I’m currently in my second year of B.A Economics at Fergusson College, Pune. But the one thing in common among all the schools were the amazing friends I made.
How you bumped into your first assignment? How it changed your life?
My first assignment was a photoshoot for Shashikanth Naidu, a brilliant designer. I knew nothing about posing in front of a camera or how to get the right expressions but luckily I was surrounded by encouraging people including my mother which made me extremely comfortable. But the turning point was when my mother secretly registered me for I Am-She pageant during a trip to Mumbai and with full credit to her, it was the biggest turning point of my life from books to modeling and things have been pretty much uphill from there on.
What did you aspire to become as kid?
As a child I always wanted to become a teacher or a fashion designer( loved sketching Gowns.)
Modeling comes with a short shelf life so where do you see yourself 10 years down the line?
10 years is a long time. If you had asked me this question last year, modeling wouldn’t even come up. I love the twists and turns my life’s taking (for the better) and I really want to see what’s in store for me.
Where do you see yourself in this cut throat competitive industry? What’s your success mantra?
It’s only been a few months. But after the Indian Bridal Week and now being chosen for the Lakme Fashion Week I feel like I’m definitely on the right path and what makes it better are the highly experienced models I walk with! They’re extremely helpful unlike what I had expected being someone from outside the industry. Moreover watching them walk infuses great confidence in me and makes me want to strive for better each time. Well for what I’ve seen, to be successful as a model one has to be patient, take criticism positively and work on it and most importantly be true to yourself instead of trying to be who you’re not and what you’re not proud of.
What’s your take on drug abuse and suicides which are so prevalent in the modeling industry?
I don’t think it’s limited to just the modeling industry. Both depend on personal choices and situations in one’s life and during bad times one should learn to be perseverant and come out of the rut rather than resorting to either of the two.
Which designers have you worked with? Whom do you find appealing your aesthetic senses most?
I have just started off and have only worked with national designers so far. I do look forward to walking for international designers as well. I love the blend of tradition and elegance in both Sabyasachi Mukherjee and Shashikanth Naidu’s work and a contrasting flair and attitude in Manish Malhotra’s designs.
Which other projects have you graced with your presence? Any big project in pipeline?
So far I’m the first runners up in the I Am She miss universe India pageant 2010. I have walked for the Indian Bridal Week, for Manish Malhotra (filmfare pre party) and Vikram Phadnis(teacher’s awards) and now I’ve been chosen for Lakme Fashion Week. I’m really excited!
How is Reha as a person? What does she like to do when not modeling?
I’m a very happy person hyper most of the time, love my cup of coffee, love sarcasm and absolutely adore my family and friends. When I’m not modeling I’m either at college trying to catch up with what I’ve missed or I’m with my family and friends having a good time. Other than that I love writing poetry and watching crime solving tv shows.
Any social cause that you are associated with?As the first runners up in the pageant, the NGO I’m associated with is the Jaivakeel School of the developmentally delayed and autistic people most of whom are children. Even a day with them is so fulfilling with their inspiring take on life and a priceless undying smile which makes their fight seem effortless.
Which is the most cherished moment in your modeling career?
The most cherished moment almost definitely was being chosen for the Lakme fashion Week.
What’s your beauty and fitness regime?
I Drink plenty of water, work out 6 days a week and try and eat as healthy as possible.
What is your idea of an ideal date?
My ideal date would be very intimate…white sand, blue water, slow music, wine, good food , oh and the guy…?
What’s your style statement?
Don’t follow trends with your eyes closed-they change almost everyday. So just wear what you’re comfortable in and be open to experimentation.
QUICK SNIPPET
FAVORITE FOOD: Sushi, butter chicken, shrimp tempura, pani puri
FAVORITE PERFUME: Azzaro now
FAVORITE INTIMATE WEAR BRAND: Buttercups
FAVORITE HOLIDAY DESTINATION: Egypt, Greece
FAVORITE MOVIE: Notting Hill
FAVORITE BOOK: Fountainhead
THING YOU ARE ADDICTED TO: Family, friends, my phone and currently Castle(tv show!)
YOU ARE SACRED OF: Losing the ones I love
MUSIC YOU LOVE TO LISTEN: Soft rock.
THE MAN YOU FIND HOTTEST: Will Smith, Eric Bana, Gerard Butler.
FAVORITE SHOPPING DESTINATION: Bangkok
YOUR ROLE MODEL IN LIFE: Mom
GUILTY PLEASURE: Dark chocolate, pani puri, oreo cheesecake…I could go on…:)
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