Lakshmi Rana is a supermodel, educator, model maker, and pageant coach, who believes in genuine inclusiveness. After investing years in the world of modeling, the experienced model feels that change is the only constant and has endeavored to make the Industry an organized profession to enable the future to be brighter for young talents. In a conversation with TMM, she talks about her journey, fitness, social media, and much more.
You have been a part of the fashion industry for years. How do you look back at this journey?
In simple words, I am very much content, happy, and satisfied to be a part of the fashion industry, which reflects all the shades and avatars of India through colours, designs, patterns, and motifs. When I started, the industry was not organized, but today, everything is planned, scheduled, and in chronology, which saves your time and energy at work. Also, when I started there were hardly any modeling agencies that could groom young talent. But now a plethora of them are making things better for our next generation. As also, a holistic approach towards modeling as a profession was lacking and that void is what manifested in the establishment of Wilderbee Talent Camp, an inclusive platform for model training and preparing pageant aspirants. It’s my way of giving back to the industry and society at large so that the aspiring talents get the best guidance and self-belief, blended with their sheer hard work.
Wilderbee Talent Camp was recently awarded at India Fashion Awards, What do you think about the initiative?
It often happens, especially in India, that faces behind the camera don’t get the due credit, for their hard work. This initiative is bridging that gap and is recognizing the efforts of all talents. This sort of recognition gives a boost to young talents to push the envelope to get the best out of them. I am sure that the visionary Sanjay Nigam’s initiatives are steady steps towards in that direction.
What do you love the most about the modeling industry?
This profession enables me to travel extensively, as also, gives me the scope to work with the most creative, inspirational, and forward-looking people from the world of fashion and creativity. With time, I have realized that these two elements together have evolved me a lot as a professional and as an individual too. Travelling, being one of life’s greatest teachers, has made me fathom the spectrum of human life and culture, the creative quotient has helped me think beyond the obvious.
Fitness is an integral part of your lifestyle. How do you keep yourself fit?
It’s a blend of physical and mental well-being that makes you fit. So, I am sure that my fitness routine is everything that promotes holistic wellness. From pilates, weight training, to yoga my weekly regime has everything. Also, I pay equal attention to my eating and sleeping habits, as they together help my body recover at a faster rate. My profession often disturbs my sleep cycle, so I make sure that as and when I get a scope to balance it, I do it! I am also very active in sports. Lastly, my husband’s routine and environment (being a Govt Official), helps fill in my schedule and voids, both in mental and physical fitness domains.
How do you see social media as a promotional tool?
For me, it’s more of a work-centric application wherein, I keep documenting my work life. Also, I use it as a tool for my brainchild and creation (Wilderbee Talent Camp). I have hired professionals and interns via Instagram, as it is the easiest and quickest medium to connect with aspirational and talented people from, the fraternity. Social media has also given a platform to young talents to curate their creativity and showcase it to the world, which I feel is a blessing for many people.
During the pandemic, the fashion world initiated steps towards the digital world? Where do you see the future of the fashion industry at large?
Everything changes with time and as they say, change is the only constant. Thus the faster we get adjusted to our new normals, absorbing and embracing the change the better. The fashion industry is also part of this change and everything has happened for our common good. From reach to opportunities, the digitalization of the fashion world has thrown open a gateway of opportunities for talents. It has made the world aware of the range, depth, and variety of the talent pool we are blessed with, within India. The future of Indian fashion is bright because the designers and professionals are very well versed with the society and environment and they know their responsibilities. Also, from a modeling perspective, I feel the digital space is steadily opening up a lot of recognition and opportunities for young talents, and it’s exciting!
What does success and happiness mean to you?
I feel that when you are happy doing what you love and keep your surroundings happy and positive, it’s a sign that you are living a successful life. The materialistic pleasure is temporary, and fortunately, I had detached myself from it long back. Today, when I see people associated with me growing, it gives me ultimate happiness and that is what success is for me!
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