"India's Next Top Model" contestant Jantee Hazarika has said she faced problems because the way she looked.
"Yes I faced problems because of my colour and the way I look in the fashion industry and in 'India's Next Top Model' as well ... Things are pretty tough when you step outside Northeast," she told PTI.
"But in all these circumstances you just have to be yourself and true to your values," said 22-year-old Jantee, who hails from Assam.
She along with Rajashree Singha, who hails from here, has been selected among the top 10 contestants.
"Now things are changing slowly but steadily. People are breaking the taboo which exists in the modelling industry and I feel it will soon change. The best way to fight against such taboos is to constantly keep working and proving your worth," Jantee said.
"Basically, I am an outspoken dynamic person who believes in carrying my pride in my dignity of being a northeasterner. For me, hard work plays a very important role which helps me to keep all negativity outside."
Asked about her advice for models from the Northeast, who look up to her as their role model, Jantee said, "Modeling is not only about glamour, fashion shows and photo shoots. It's hard work, dedication, patience and aim to reach to the top. Remember to be grounded and be true to your roots. Shortcut is never an option."
On her experience of being a part of "India's Next Top Model" season 2, she said many aspired to be a part of it. "So when I became a part of it, I made sure I enjoy every bit of it.
"Sometimes the pressure of being watched at every step is scary as you cannot ignore any remark by the judges. But as days passed the pain seems lesser and I started enjoying more - photo shoots, ramp walk for big designers, challenges ... You cannot ask for anything more," she added.
Jantee said she is being mentored by top fashion industry
personalities such as Lisa, Anusha, Neeraj Gaba and Dabboo Ratnani.
"It is great being mentored by this set of people who have made a mark in the fashion industry. Words said by them mean a lot to me. I try my best to work on them, specially Lisa who we all contestants look up to.
"Whenever I see her (Lisa), my motivation to win becomes stronger".
Asked what motivates her to be a top model, she said her inspiration has no boundaries. "Thus my list of inspiration of being a top model is also really long. From my mother to famous models like Tyra Banks who has set a standard not only as a model but as a women play a huge role in my life.
"I want to be someone to whom girls from the North East look up to not only to be a model, but to become a woman of worth - a strong woman who gets inspired by all women who set a standard for themselves and show the world what a woman can achieve," a confident Jantee said.
