She always wanted to be a cardio surgeon…tried hard but that desire did not materialise. Instead, what fell in place was quite-an-enviable modelling career. Well, life is like that…You begin somewhere and end up elsewhere. Coming from the city of Kolkata, this leggy lasso was awarded the First Runner-up title at the Miss Asia Pacific 2003 contest. Infact topping her kitty of accolades, she holds several other titles like Miss Talent, Miss Congeniality, Miss Creamsilk and Miss Gandang Rickyreyes (a local contest for the best hairstyle) in Manila, Philippines. She has a firm belief that social causes can keep one grounded. Therefore, she is associated with Bal Shiksha Sadan and looks after the education department. We caught up with Shonal Rawat and explored her real self. You read on to know her some more…
Family and Academics…
My father’s in IPS and ma has her own kindergarten in Calcutta. Since my father was posted throughout West Bengal, I had my schooling in different parts of the state. I did my matriculation from Loreto House, 12th from Ashok Hall and graduated in Chemistry Hons. from St. Xavier’s, Calcutta.
Parent’s reaction to your choice of modelling as a career…
They have been the supportive parents. They trusted my decision blindly and encouraged me to give it a shot on a national level.
First modelling assignment…
It was for my aunt who was a designer and was to be featured in a Bengali paper. I must be 17 then…It was fun and got me my first pay of Rs. 700.
Greatest achievement till date… 
I represented India at the Miss Asia Pacific 2003 contest and emerged as the first runner up along with seven sub titles.
Idea of an ideal date…
It has to be a mix of adventure and romance. Long gone are those days of candle light dinners and roses!
When not modelling, what are you most likely to be found doing…
Doing household chores, checking out my investment portfolio, watching movies and finally catching up with friends as they constantly complain I do not have time for them.
Essentials for a model to climb the ladder of success…
Discipline, hard work, positive lookout and most importantly patience.
Views on Indian vs. Western models…
The international scene is more organised with good agents covering you back unlike here. Our Indian models are versatile, pretty and hard working. I love our girls here but if one has scope, then one should try internationally. There is nothing bad in garnering more fame.
Most touching moment of your life…
When I gave my first salary to my parents, the look in their eyes was unforgettable. In addition, I cannot forget the pride in their eyes when I bought my house in Mumbai.
Quick snippets
FAVOURITE PERFUME: Gucci Envy and Burberry.
FAVOURITE LINGERIE BRAND: Victoria’s Secret and La Senza.
FAVOURITE DESIGNER: Sabyasachi and Hemant Trivedi.
FAVOURITE HOLIDAY DESTINATION: London, Paris and Darjeeling.
FAVOURITE MUSIC: Retro, ghazals, classics and anything that catches my attention.
YOUR GREATEST FEAR: Losing my loved ones.
