It’s true to its core that few things in this world defy the rule of nature and Mehar Bhasin, does just that.



Mehar was in town recently for the audition of Chennai International Fashion Week that’s scheduled for the next month, where she is choreographing the whole show. Mybangalore caught up with the lady, who was a Miss India Finalist in 1993 where she was crowned Miss Perfect 10 and Miss Beautiful Smile and was also the face of Revlon, on of the first Indian’s to be the face for and International beauty brand.

Excerpts from the interview.  
How did you stumble upon modelling? Was it always what you wanted to do?
Mehar. Well, there are a lot of things that happen when you move on with life. Modelling, I guess, was one of them.  



So, what about your academic accomplishments?
Mehar. I am from Delhi, born and brought up there. My schooling and college has been in Delhi itself. I had been a student of business, and then even completed my masters in business administration through correspondence from Kolkata University.   

Then why the sudden change?
Mehar. All my friends always thought I should try modelling, they kept insisting me. But I didn’t look into it seriously till as time a friend of mine sent a few of my photographs to an agency, and there I was, my first step into the world of modelling. Then the journey continued. I soon understood the nitty-gritty of the fashion industry and started walking the ramp for almost all the known designers of the country.    
 
You have been in the industry for long. What are the changes you see in the fashion industry today?
Mehar. Today, it’s not like it used to be in our times. With big M.N.C.’s tying up for fashion shows, and the kind of association the country had seen, especially in the past few years, there definitely has been a great deal of change in the whole fashion industry. Today, models don’t really have a lot of things that they can complain of. Earlier, in many of the shows we were asked to get a lot of our own things. It was mainly the clothes that the designers would give us then. Think about it now. The models just have to walk.   
 
And the models? Do you think they have changed too?
Mehar. Today, it’s all very professional. When we call models, they are there just for the show. They come, walk, and go away. There is not a lot of bonding that happens now. In our times, there used to be a lot of bonding with the designer, choreographer, the camera person and so forth. This is something that can no longer be seen today.  
 
Do you think there are great models today, like it used to be in your times?
Mehar. Yes, of course, there are. But the numbers have changed. In our times, there used to be, at best, five top models in the country. Now, there are hundreds, which is why it’s tough for one to maintain that standard. In fact, people tend to forget them easily.   

What are you doing these days?  
Mehar. In an attempt to provide a unique platform for people of all ages to not only understand and rediscover their true potential, but also learn social skills and the finer points of life from leading professionals of the country and abroad, I have started a Grooming and Modelling Academy in New Delhi. It’s called "The Meyhar Bhasin Academy”.   
 
 So, how has it been working on it? You are a grooming expert now.
Mehar. It’s been a great experience. The academy has been successfully conducting corporate grooming workshops, children's grooming & modelling workshops apart from personality development courses and modelling courses for people of all ages. The Academy also undertakes model co-ordination and image management services.  
 
So, when it comes to fitness. What’s the fitness regime for Mehar Bhasin? Also, what would be your suggestions for a healthy body?  
Mehar. I have a tight schedule, which is why I like to have a strict fitness regime. But so far as maintaining one’s body is concerned, I think it’s important for one to do a lot of exercises, which may vary depending on the person concern. But it’s utterly important for one to do a lot of cardio vascular exercises. I, on the personal front, like to do a lot of swimming, driving, and anything that keeps my body active. I think it’s also important for one to have a sound mental health.     
 
You must be coming to this city often. What do you think of Bangalore as a city?  
Mehar. I think Bangalore is a gorgeous city, and there is always something new that’s happening; every time I come here, there is always some kind of new construction that I see in the city. I think the only problem is with the deadlines and the restrictions; there are just too many of them. It’s an intelligent city, so, I don’t think the place should shut down so early. Places should remain open till late night, say at least till 1 am. People can at least go and eat properly.   
 
Bangalore Fashion Week is round the corner. What do you think about the show?
Mehar. I haven’t been a part of it myself, so it won’t be right on my part to opine on something like that. But from all that I’ve seen and heard, I think they are doing it great, nay, it was important for Bangalore to have a fashion week of their own. They are just on the right track. There are all these big names attached to the show, so, for sure, they are doing great.  
 
You had been in the city recently for the audition of the models for the Chennai International Fashion Week. What do you think about the models this time?  
Mehar. It was absolutely great. There were so many of them who were really nice. It was surprisingly nice to see all those kids turning up for the audition who showed so much of interest. It’s definitely a good sign.    
 

One last question: You as a model, you as choreographer, you as a groomer; do you think showing skin means you are sexy?
Mehar: Never. It can never mean that. Why, don’t we have actors, who, in spite of being covered in almost all their movies, they still epitomize sexiness? Look at people like Rekha, Parveen Babi, Jaya Pradha, Simi Garewal, or even look at today’s actors like Kajol. Don’t you they are sexy?