Be strong to fight insecurity in modelling world: Tinu Verghis

New Delhi: Senior model Tinu Verghis scorched the runway for a decade, before bidding adieu to the Indian modelling world. For all the young girls who hope to make it big in the industry, she has a word of advice -- be strong and don`t waste time!

She further cautions that the modelling profession requires lot of hard work and a confident mindset. "There are a lot of beautiful young girls coming in. If they are strong enough to stand up and fight off the insecurity that is around, it will be good for the industry," Verghis told IANS. "Have faith in yourself. Never be scared to push your limits. Never worry about what people think of you, you can never please all the people all the time," she added. Verghis, who is now set to join LASALLE College of the Arts in Singapore, says its important for all models to pursue something of interest side-by-side for long term. "Do short courses and learn something new every year. Don`t waste other people`s time and object if they waste yours. Read books, and always think about what you would like to do once, you are done with modelling," she said. A supermodel from southern India, Verghis is one of the few Indian models to have walked the international ramps in Milan and Paris for renowned fashion houses like Christian Lacroix, Gucci, DKNY, Christian Dior, Prada, Escada and Alexander McQueen. Sharing the experience of her growth in the industry, she said: "The first show I did was for Rs.250 in Bangalore for Prasad Bidappa and since then, the whole experience was worth every moment." The Indian ramps are currently dominated by foreign models. Tinu finds no fault with that but points out that some of the faces on the runway are not worth the fame. "I don`t separate models based on their nationality. Anyone who can look good on the ramp should be allowed. "(But) Some of the foreign and Indian models on the ramp are a mistake. There is no need for the industry to compromise on talent, since there are many beautiful girls waiting to step in," added Verghis, without taking any names. IANS