Modeling does require a lot of dedication, discipline and determination to get through. There will be months where you are working constantly and some months where you don't get any work. Its mentally challenging. I have myself gone into depression a few years back and sometimes even now it's very challenging to keep a positive outlook always. Keeping yourself busy with your hobbies and meditation has helped me through my tough times.
1. Tell us about your background and journey.
I come from a very middle class family. My father was working in a bank and my mother is a professor. We have no one from our family who is involved in the entertainment and fashion industry. It was through my friend, Ria, I started my journey in the fashion industry.
I got my first photoshoot after that with one of the most renowned textile shop here in Kochi as they were calling for customer models. From there I got many more opportunities to shine in the fashion industry.
Along with this I had tried my luck in pageants and I also did a reality show in Malayalam. Once I was confident in facing and being in front of the camera, I started trying my luck in movies too.
2. How did you become a model and reach this stage?
My bestfriend Ria was a model before I started my journey into the fashion industry. She gave me my first show. I had also given my contact details to one of the famous textile shop in my locality as they were calling for customer models. They contacted me and I did my first photoshoot with them.
After the shoot they invited me for their show and I shared the ramp with Sameera Reddy. From then I got many shows and shoots to be a part of. After that I slowly started doing pageants and also became a part of a reality show and movies after that in a span of 8 years.
3. What has been your greatest achievement?
I have many beautiful memories I cherish and hold close to my heart. Personally I consider sharing the ramp with Sushmita Sen, that was my greatest achievement as she is my biggest inspiration to step into this field. It's her winning Miss India and then Miss Universe title that made me do pageants and modelling.
18 years later I was sharing the ramp with her and 2 years later competing for Miss Diva, which is the competition for Miss India Universe, being the only South Indian that year to participate and the first Malayalee to be a part of the competition.
I made it to top 6 and won the most number of subtitles in that competition. Career wise winning the International title of Miss Glam world Runner up is the highest achievement I have where I represented India and competed with 39 other countries to emerge as a winner.
4. How important is social media validation in your profession?
Social media plays a huge role in our profession as it helps us connect with agents, clients and most of all the audience who are interested in the industry. In spite of the vast exposure you get through social media it's the quality of the work you put out that always sets you apart from others.
So I make sure that I choose my work carefully and give it to my very best. Modelling is what I am passionate about the most and I love doing so I respect my profession and always try to out do myself after every work.
5. How can one take care of their mental health in this high pressure glamorous field?
Modelling does require a lot of dedication, discipline and determination to get through. There will be months where you are working constantly and some months where you don't get any work. Its mentally challenging.
I have myself gone into depression a few years back and sometimes even now it's very challenging to keep a positive outlook always. Keeping yourself busy with your hobbies and meditation has helped me through my tough times.
6. What are some of your upcoming projects?
Due to COVID19 many of the brands aren't doing the shoots like they used to. There are very less shows too. So right now the brands are associating with me mostly through social media influencer programs.
Aileena Catherin Amon
Instagram id - @aileena_amon
Interviewed by - Ananie Borgia
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