‘To improve is to change. To perfect is to change often’. Winston Churchill was of course correct as he said that and so was Frank Underwood in House of Cards as he quoted Churchill. For as we grow, we change, and as we change we improve. We started this little section 10 weeks ago, and we are happy to have come this far. This journey has been awesome so far and we promise it will always be.
Friendly Fridays is proud to expand its horizons to create a talent map of the world. This week our special guest is someone who’s bound to steal your curiosity and your attention. We expect that everywhere she goes she makes heads a-roll for she’s not only a gorgeous model but also a beautiful human being. A noodle enthusiast often found hanging out at the China bowl, Satya Niketan! Someone who doubles as a bathroom singer and volunteers to help out underprivileged children! An Eric Clapton lover who can dance to salsa tunes! Friendly Fridays is honoured to interview this Sociology student from Jesus and Mary College, Delhi.
Who are we talking about? Well if you followed NDTV Kingfisher Calendar Hunt, you will definitely have an idea. This beauty made it to the top 10 and was an audience favourite!
We add glamour this week to Friendly Fridays with our guest Nikeeta Bellgard.
ED Team: Hello Nikeeta, Welcome to Friendly Fridays! First and Foremost what pulled you towards Modelling as a profession?
Nikeeta Bellgard: Thank you! Modelling has always been a passion. As a kid I’d play dress-up, watch Fashion TV and ape models quite often and I knew this was something I wanted to do. Modelling to me is just not about the looks on the outside but the emotion underneath. It’s about having the flair, the flamboyance and the attitude to walk the ramp in front thousands of flashing cameras and eyes glued on to you. It’s like other art forms; I acquired a taste for it and got better with time.
ED Team: I think we will all agree that Practice makes perfect. You are a model, a dancer, you sing and you can act. How do you balance so many things in your life?
Nikeeta Bellgard: My mantra is to be as organised as possible because modelling is my sole focus. I try to balance my fitness (which is essential to my modelling) alongside my other passions (singing and eating noodles). I make a very strict schedule and follow it religiously.
ED Team: That sounds like some hard work! Do you ever feel you’re missing out on something?
Nikeeta Bellgard: I try to keep myself as strong as possible both mentally and physically. For this I stick to meditation, yoga and my runs. I know I miss on concerts when I am working, but I cheat on my diet by feeding myself noodles. It’s my guilt pleasure.
ED Team: Since a lot of people reading this already know you as a successful model. I am sure everyone would be thrilled to know your favourite designer and or any label you religiously follow?
Nikeeta Bellgard: I consider myself to be a person of details and I like looking beyond the obvious. And no other name comes to my mind besides Rocky S because his designs have such intricate detailing and finishing.
ED Team: If not modelling then what?
Nikeeta Bellgard: If not modelling, then definitely I would like to be a teacher/ lecturer or a social worker.
ED Team: Were your parents always supportive in this field or you faced problems from that end?
Nikeeta Bellgard: My parents are teachers so academic focus was always set as a priority in life. However, they always encouraged me to never compromise on my dreams. . But I am glad to say we are figuring out the complexities and intricacies of life together. I cannot imagine my world without them; i just would not be me.
ED Team: Now moving on to a lighter topic. Tell us about your first ramp walk.
Nikeeta Bellgard: I am glad this came up! It was a turning point in my life. I was just 16 when I got my first modelling assignment; I was too young and shy. My choreographer shouted at me because i did not know how to walk straight on the ramp with 6 inch heels! But it gave me an opportunity to realize my shortcomings. So it was a learning experience for me!
ED Team: For our readers who might be aspiring models, were there any challenges you faced? And do you have any tips for them?
Nikeeta Bellgard: Fortunately I haven’t faced any major problems yet, every day is a challenge in itself. That’s how you improve and become better at what you do. Very Honestly, I didn’t have a portfolio made; all of my initial photographs were taken by friends who were into photography. The photographs thereon were seen by professionals from the industry who contacted me. I think it’s better for any aspiring model to first build a network of reliable and trustworthy people as it economically feasible to do so. You are better prepared and informed for steps to take there on.
ED Team: What is your core belief in life?
Nikeeta Bellgard: Don’t be pushed by your problems; be led by your dreams!
We wish all the very best to Nikeeta and hope to see her on the cover of vogue in the near future!
