Often, models in and past their prime get into the news for all the wrong reasons- mental imbalance, drug abuse, suicide attempts. Which set me thinking, what is it that drives these beauties to this sorry state? Is it the fragility of relationships, the insecurities of the job, their short professional life which makes them desperate? My thoughts went a little further. What if I were a model? What would my life have been like? I would probably have been inspired as a child, to take up modeling having seen a Miss India or Miss Universe contest aired on television. In adolescence, this inspiration would have strengthened. My height, my features, my flawless skin would have only helped matters. Egged on by friends, I would have entered the world of fashion with the ultimate aim of getting to be a top model. I would probably have started freelancing, but soon opportunities would have arisen which would enable me to make modelling a full-fledged career. Education would have taken a back-seat. Models have to start pretty young and if I waited to finish my studies, it would be too late. My calorie consciousness would have started in my early teens. A future model after all cannot afford even an ounce of extra weight. The nutrition which my growing body would need would hardly be given any importance; the effects of my extreme diets and near starvation would show much later. I would have started out innocent, with stars in my eyes, trusting and naive. Bitter experiences would soon teach me that there are hardly any true friends in the fashion industry. It would also be amply clear that ‘there are no free lunches’ and every favour received would have to be returned with steep interest. I would probably be past my shelf life in my 20’s. My once fabulous skin abused by constant application of dozens of creams and lotions would by then be damaged, my fresh looks now gone. I would by then have reached the stage when I would have to think of an alternative career option. Movies or some other role in the fashion industry would be obvious choices. Being a film star … [Read more...]
If I were an ‘aam aadmi’ (common man)
These are troubling times for the ‘aam aadmi’ reeling from the effects of inflation. If I were this ‘aam aadmi’, l would tell you that I am quite terrified of what the future holds for me. In the recent past, whenever I check my finances at the end of the month, I am appalled to see that my savings are nil. Why, last month, I could not even carry on till the end of the month. I did what no self-respecting individual did. I had no choice but to dip into my father’s savings. I was ashamed that instead of looking after my parents in their old age, I was burdening them. I have always believed in cutting my coat according to my cloth, but what do I do when the cloth is insufficient for a coat? I have never spent extravagantly; kept account of every paisa spent and has managed well all these years. Eating occasionally at a Chinese restaurant and a rare movie are the only luxury I have provided my family. But now, it is shocking to know that a basic commodity like ‘dal’ has become a luxury. I used to save a bit for my children’s education, my retirement and I had just begun to save for a second hand car. Now all that money goes to feed that beast called ‘inflation’ who keeps asking for more. . Even if I were to buy the car what would I fill it with, water? Petrol has suddenly become even more unaffordable. My children’s education, any emergencies will now have to be met by loans borrowed at high interest rates which I can ill-afford. I have utmost respect for our honourable Prime Minister. What I don’t understand is this! Dr. Manmohan Singh is hailed as great economist who even world leaders look up to. He has an excellent academic background and sound experience. Why then is he unable to tackle this ‘terrorist’ who has held the common man’s life to ransom? I am a person of limited knowledge and intelligence. But from what I read and see in the media, one primary reason for food inflation is conversion of agricultural land to industrial and residential layouts. Hoarding of grains by traders to artificially jack up prices is another. Forest land being cleared for development may be a reason for … [Read more...]
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