Lakme model Anushka Dhaka tells Rediff's Hitesh Harisinghani what makes the runway so thrilling for her. She also shares the simple rituals that help her stay calm before the spotlight hits.
Hailing from Meerut, Anushka Dhaka didn't grow up surrounded by fashion or runways.
Her father was a bank manager and he imagined a stable, conventional future for her.
But Anushka decided to take the road less travelled.
In 2018, after facing several setbacks but constantly encouraged by her mother and elder sister, Anushka entered the Elite Model Look contest and got selected.
Over the years, Anushka has walked for some of the top designers in the country, including Varun Bahl, Shantanu and Nikhil, Rahul Mishra, Anavila, Shivan and Narresh.
How is the Lakme Fashion Week going for you?
I am looking forward to this season. I will be walking for Rahul Mishra tonight so I'm very excited.
Who would you be if not a model?
I would be happily running a business in the mountains.
What's the one thing you do before walking the ramp?
I try to stay calm, gather happy thoughts and just be prepared for the moment.
How do you take care of your skin during fashion week?
I hydrate. I clean my face with a cleanser as soon as I get home. I use a good moisturiser.
Are you diet-conscious or are you a foodie?
I'm a big foodie. I also have a sweet tooth. I eat whenever I feel like and don't starve myself
Tell us about the designers you love working with.
I love working with Rahul Mishra and Amit Aggarwal.
Who's your favourite Bollywood celebrity?
I love Shah Rukh Khan; he's the King of Bollywood!
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