New Delhi, Aug 25: Nasik-born model Sheetal Menon had her first taste of ‘real’ modelling with the pressure and hectic schedules of the recently concluded Lakme India Fashion Week in Mumbai. Enriched with the experience, the Commerce graduate, 21, has begun doing print campaigns. “Without any godfather in the industry I’ve always wanted to be a model. Having lost my father at ten, my older sister Shymolie and I learnt to be responsible at an early age,” says Menon. Menon has done music videos by Punjabi singer Hans Raj Hans, Ken Ghosh’s remix album Hai Hai Yeh Majboori and the soon-to-be-released video Gori by Band of Boys. “Item numbers tend to get vulgar at times. Plus, you are chosen just because you are sexy and not sensual. I see the two as being different. Anyway I can’t really run around trees and whisper sweet nothings. I’m not cut out for all that,” she says.

That’s another reason why Menon prefers the ramp. “You complete a show and after that do your own thing, there are no retakes. It is quick and you make good money.”

At five feet seven and weighing 53 kilos, the fitness freak sweats it out every morning at the gym. “I avoid oily food and desserts. Also, doing cardio exercises at the gym five times a week is a must. I love food, but can only cook dal-chawal. So, I eat out more than once a week,” she adds. Walking the ramp for almost a year now, Menon realises that modelling is not just about looking glamorous but also involves hard work. “I like Malini Ramani’s funky stuff, Aki Narula’s bare dare clothes and the way Sabyasachi manages to keep his women covered but yet look fabulous. My advice to teenagers who get smitten by the glamour: “As modelling has a low shelf life, always keep other options open.”