Give models their share of recognition: Dhankar

Watching Bollywood actresses instead of models on fashion magazine covers makes Kanishtha Dhankar, a former Miss India and now a popular face in the modelling industry, sad. She feels models aren't given their rightful place in the industry.

The 27-year-old sharp featured model was asked her views on actresses grabbing prominence on fashion magazine covers, she said: "I think that is partly because our masses are not aware of who the girls are in this modelling industry. But I think slowly people have started recognising the fashion girls or models.

"But yes, I think it makes all of us sad because we aren't given our place in the industry as you can see that we barely get one cover in a year. Also people who work in a magazine know that they have to pitch Bollywood actresses because they are beautiful women, they are influential and which is why they are on the cover. But I wish that the fashion industry grows further and be able to do what they need to."

These days, she is busy walking the ramp of Lakme Fashion Week (LFW) Winter/Festive 2016. She is enjoying the designers' love for Indian models from different regions now; unlike a few years ago when roping in foreign models was a big trend.

"I have not done LFW for two seasons but I have been doing a few shows. I have seen girls have changed and what I am really excited to see this time that I have seen so many new faces and they all are so great. It's evolving and fashion is reaching out a lot further.

"The young, beautiful and skinny tall girls are being observed by the industry and I think it's great because when I started modelling, they (designers) weren't so open to Indian girls, but to foreigners... So I think it's great that everyone is so open to find Indian beauty. The perception has definitely changed," she added.

Fashion and films
The Mumbai-based model was crowned Pantaloons Miss India 2011. She later represented India at the Miss World 2011 pageant. As far as films are concerned, she made a brief appearance in Madhur Bhandarkar's film ‘Fashion’ as a model with Kangana Ranaut and Priyanka Chopra.

Asked if she considers modelling a stepping stone to films, she said: "Modelling is a stepping stone to many things -- whether you want to be in Bollywood or go international." So is she also open to entering Bollywood unlike her contemporaries?

"Yes, I am as I find the craft very interesting. Earlier I didn't understand the craft but now that I do, I have lot of respect for it. People approached me when I did Miss India but I think I was a kid then and I had to do other things. I always wanted to travel and explore the world a little bit more... That's why I didn't do it that time," Kanishtha said.