They took on society and pushed the envelope to create a market of their own in this industry. They not only accepted themselves but also embraced themselves and therefore the world accepted them regardless of the societal norms of the typical Indian mentality shunning all the socio cultural structures and such. Meet Mitali Rannorey, the Supermodel who is popular and living it up every single day.
When and why did you decide to become a model?
Everything just fell into place and my parents had also given me the freedom to do anything once I had a graduation. In my final year, I started with Prasad Bidapa who was doing good work and soon after my last semester exams, Lakme Fashion Week happened and the rest is history.
Did you go through any issues on your way up there? If you did face issues, what gave you strength to continue?
I am very lucky to have not faced any issues. I have always met the right and the nicest people. The only issue if I may call it one would be – making a right break in Mumbai. But thanks to my height and body type, people who worked with me once wanted to work again and again. I just had faith in my abilities because Mumbai is such a big city and it can make you lose hope easily.
How important do you feel is skin tone in your industry? Have you ever been shamed for being dusky? What kind of criticism or remarks have you faced for your skin tone and what has been your response to these situations?
Nowadays thankfully no body cares much for skin tone. In fact, they need that uniqueness in your face which will make you stand out. If you are dusky or fair, it really doesn’t matter much. Surprisingly I have only been complimented for my skin tone. When people meet me for the first time, they ask me how did I get this wonderful tan. They fail to believe it is my natural skin tone. In my initial modeling days, there were these bunch of orthodox clients who preferred white skin or fair skin and conventional pretty and I lost on some work there, but since I was so new, I didn’t know exactly how things worked. On the fashion side, being dusky was an advantage and I came to know soon and then there was no trouble. Things had already began changing by then. And it is so wonderful to see our dusky models like Radhika Nair, Pooja Moore to name a few, ruling the modeling scene abroad too.
Did you feel you were included in the industry from the time you started? Have you ever felt excluded?
No… strangely I was accepted from the very beginning. There was never a point where I felt excluded. I would have never continued being in the industry if that was the case. I had an engineering degree to go back to.
Have you ever suffered anxiety due to your career and how do you deal with it?
Yes, but only in the initial days. Initially when I’d lose out on jobs, I’d feel very disheartened. I would think what was wrong with me that I didn’t get the job. But I realised not all jobs are for everyone. There are so many models and everyone has different personalities which different brands are looking for. If not this one, then it will be some thing else and it would be better.
What has been the lowest point in your career? And how did you overcome it?
There was a time when I couldn’t deal with the fast paced work culture in Mumbai and had to come back to Bengaluru where I started my journey. I was here for almost two years and had decided on never going back. My friends really helped me in moving back and beginning a career from scratch in Mumbai.
What impact do you want to create on this world?
A world where everyone can live peacefully without any kind of discrimination.
What is your goal for the future?
Live each day purposefully and ensure that I have a life of fulfillment and contentment .
What are your other passions apart from acting and modelling?
Animals. I want to open a shelter for them some day. And travelling – I love seeing new places.
Who is your idol and why?
I respect Priyanka Chopra for her hard work and putting India on the global map.
What is your sense of style? And how did it evolve?
My style has always been about comfort and yet being presentable. It definitely has evolved being in the world of fashion as you do understand the sense of style and putting different things together and making it look nice.
Please share 3 key points for those aspiring to be like you?
. Sign up with a good and a well known agency. They know how to represent you to the world the best.
. Never lose confidence in yourself no matter what people say. You need to feel good about yourself if you want the world to see good in you.
. Be aware of the reality. It is not good to live in a bubble. Life is about ups and downs. Be ready to take on failure if you want success.
