Half Tamilian and half Punjabi, there’s an electric charm about model Shimona Nath. Just three years old in the world of professional modelling, Shimona is magic on the ramp. Exuding a distinct personality on it, Shimona is blessed with a rare versatility that sees her transform with every show. And, that makes her so good to watch. The Telegraph chat with the soft-spoken yet assertive model, currently based in Mumbai, who wants to try her hand at films and business too, in the future.
Congratulations! You’ve had a wonderful run! When did you start modelling professionally?
I started in 2020. I have been doing college fashion shows since when I was 16 and the first mentor in my life was Prasad Bidapa who taught me the in and out of the fashion industry, how to walk, pose, carry yourself and dress up, and how to groom yourself. I did small shoots for catalogues in Bangalore while I was studying. My first move to become a professional model was when the first lockdown had just lifted and digital fashion weeks were happening. I moved from Bangalore to Delhi. My first ever show and campaign was for Siddartha Tytler’s Cult, which I had landed through backstage manager Pujan Kapur Sharma. My mom used to be a model and she was one of her initial friends. It was Pujan who saw me on my mom’s Facebook and told her that I should go to Delhi and that there was a lot of scope. I was 18-19 when I shifted.
Was your mom your inspiration to take up modelling?
She was a big inspiration and it was so nice to watch her! She stopped modelling when she had my sister. I had time to watch her at her shows, rehearsals and fittings and it was a great inspiration, but initially, I never thought I would want to get into modelling. My dad has been an event manager for over 30 years and I wanted to get into event management and acting... a big Bollywood fan. Modelling happened along the way.
When did you decide to take it up professionally?
In the initial days when I was modelling in Bangalore, I got to know a lot of people, including models from Delhi and Bombay. Hearing their stories and watching the seniors in our industry, attracted me towards this job. This profession demands hard work, discipline and consistency. I have always wanted to do something which would keep me on my toes. Also, the fact that there are so many levels to achieve in this. The amount of discipline and energy this job commands excites me. I love being busy. Being in a chaotic environment and still being able to hold yourself still at your core is one of the main strengths I wanted to learn in life. The heights that you can reach if you do it well is what inspired me. I also believe once you start, do your best or don’t start it at all. I was waiting to turn 18 because as an adult, you can handle things well. So, the moment I turned 18, I told my parents that I wanted to live in these cities (Delhi and Mumbai) by myself, be independent and do this job.
The top models who have been in this profession for 15-20 years are the ones who truly inspire me.
You’ve had a meteoric rise in the last three years. What do you think has got you this success in such a short span of time?
It’s lovely to know that people are noticing the amount of hard work that I am putting in. Every assignment of mine fulfils me. The idea of waking up at 4am-5am in the morning, being there on set for 12 hours and creating art is the most fulfilling thing for me. People do tell me that mine has been one of the fastest growths they have seen in a model and I am so grateful for that. I thank god every day.
I know I have taken care of myself and it’s been a lot of consistency and discipline. When I came into the industry, people told me I am petite. In the industry, there were really tall girls and everyone was full. When I was told I was too petite to be part of a particular show or campaign, it gave me an even bigger drive to prove that even small girls can do pretty well. If you can take care of yourself and have a stage presence and know how to do your job, anything is possible. Your height, shape, size and weight doesn’t matter. It was my biggest challenge that a petite girl can be a ramp model too. I knew print would work for me, but I wanted to be a ramp model. I wanted to prove that being 5’8’’ doesn’t make me any less. That was my biggest drive.
One of my biggest inspirations is Kate Moss, she was only 5’7’’ and she had one of the best walks in the world. I have watched and learned from watching these people. I would walk up and down the living room in front of a mirror. My mum has been one of my biggest strengths. The expressions, the way I placed my hand, the way I walk or sway my hips, I have paid attention to every single little thing.
I just kept going and telling people that I can walk, let me show you, put the garment on me and let me show you. After a lot of persistence, I got some of the biggest shows with some of the biggest choreographers. Once, I proved what I could do, they never stopped working with me. It’s been a beautiful experience and I love those people for giving me that opportunity. To have names like Manish Malhotra, Tarun Tahiliani and JJ Valaya... I am so grateful. My mother walked for JJ Valaya 30 years back and now I am walking for him, that is special. I go to work with all the appreciation and love that has come my way. I have recently signed a contract with Lakme. That is now making me tap into the acting that I have always wanted to do, get into films.
Do you pinch yourself to believe that all this is true?
Sometimes, I sit and think, what is happening?! The giants of the industry have such beautiful conversations with me, it just gets overwhelming sometimes. The idea is to always stay grounded and do the next assignment better.
The words of wisdom you would never forget are...
Prasad Bidapa told me to be absolutely original and true to who I am. I have cried after rejections but it’s Prasad and my dad who told me to stick to my individuality and that would take me places. Love yourself and what you’ve been given.
So, the next stop is Hindi films?
I am hoping films happen for me. I am putting in all the effort, going in for professional classes. I also want to do my own business. With modelling, I would love to go with the flow
KNOW SHIMONA...
Name: Shimona Nath
From: Bangalore
Height: 5’8’’
An inspiration: Kate Moss
On her CV: The biggest names in the industry. From Manish Malhotra to Tarun Tahiliani and JJ Valaya.
Eye on the future: Films and her own business.
