In Conversation with Shifali Saldanha
She's tried her hand at acting too and has been a part of projects like Dark Knight and recently got trained by Confidence and Crowns. What's more is that in addition to being a model, she's also a senior analyst at Oracle. That tells you more than the stereotype about models that they only look pretty and they're dumb. Well, this model isn't like any other model. She's beauty and brains. So let's dive right into the interview to know more about her
Shifali Saldanha
@shifalisldn · 1:50
For me, it was like I think I was seven, eight years old and I was so much fascinated by the models, the style, the fashion and the walk that they did on the ram, the makeup, the hairstyle and that was it. It was always in the back of my head and it was always there. And when I grew up, I always loved to dress differently. And when I grew up, people asked me are you a model? Are you a model?
That's truly amazing. Shifali, my next question to you would be what would be your advice to young girls who want to pursue this field and are interested in this career trajectory?
Shifali Saldanha
@shifalisldn · 1:10
Okay. So for young girls, I would suggest that always have a mentor in life. There are a lot of academies who train you in terms of pageantry and in terms of modeling. You could go to Mumbai. I will not name academies here. You can research by yourself. So there are academies in Mumbai, Pune and Bangladesh especially so you can get trained there. They guide you when it comes to beauty pageants. They also guide you when it comes to different types of modeling
That was really informative, Shifali. I don't think many girls have this knowledge as to how they can proceed towards modeling even if they are interested in the scene. The next question is what were some of the difficulties you faced when you started as a fresher in this field with no contacts as an outside either?
Shifali Saldanha
@shifalisldn · 1:38
You. I was very nice. I had started in the year 2018 with local beauty pageants and I didn't know how to go about it. I used to see people endorsing ads working for different brands, but I was not having any idea. Like I said, when you don't have a mentor, when you don't know things and you just see or you just see your friends doing get and you don't have guidance, it's very difficult
That sounds like you've done some real amazing hard work, and I'm sure your perseverance will pay off. My next question to you is, what are you currently working on? And can you describe the recent projects you worked on? Well
Shifali Saldanha
@shifalisldn · 2:02
They look out for perfection and be it different brands, be it apparels, jewelries, or be it walking for them, walking for different designers, shooting for different apparels, all of that. And recently I walked for Lulu fashion week in Bangalore. It was held in five cities and I walked for the Bangladesh edition
That sounds amazing. Shifali, my next question to you is what are your future plans?
They want to be as a part of a fashion because nowadays, in this era, the fashion industries are booming and everyone should be like means dress up well. They want to be indulged in the good activity. They want to do the makeup on their faces and they want to represent theirselves in the regionate way in front of the public or in front of the society. So my little bit question is that fashion is more important being as a model or somewhere. The simplicity also resides behind that
Shifali Saldanha
@shifalisldn · 0:20
Well, it's definitely full time modeling, and I'm also studying nutrition side by side, and I would love to work internationally, and that's what is my go forward goal
Shifali Saldanha
@shifalisldn · 2:03
When it comes to fashion and modeling, there is inclusivity. Okay? There's inclusivity in sorry. There's inclusivity in fashion. There are people like there are plus size models. Now, there's no much height criteria except for the ramp. There is inclusivity. And, yes, the agencies or the recruiters or clients, they are looking for girls and guys out there who are unique. And now it just does not mean perfection, which was long ago. It also means now
Thank you, Shafali. That was just as graceful and wonderful as it could get. My one last final question to you is what's one amazing thing you learned on your path to success?
Shifali Saldanha
@shifalisldn · 2:06
That is what people say when you don't give up, when you never give up in life, when you want something, when you want to achieve something, be in any field, you're almost there. So we need to have patience, we need to have persistence, we need to have perseverance and resilience. And a failure is not a failure, but it's just learning. It's a part of life and it's a part of our journey
They are not able to face the public. They just are secluded in their homes. And families also say that you shouldn't have pursued this career and this and that how a model should deal with this problem and should not get into drugs, get into alcohol and maybe get into depression and eventually commit suicide. Because I think this is a very, very serious thing. So Ma'am, being a model yourself, you please suggest some ways how a modeler can overcome this. Thank you
Prabha Iyer
@PSPV · 2:58
So this is my question normally not only to people like you, to many of them I feel that this question I have to ask because being a celebrity and off late, also managing a profession and going out in public places, people will just pounce on you. They'll say that you are so beautiful, you are so cute. I want an autograph. Can I take a photo pick with you? With your permission? All that you have to come through
Definitely do follow her on Instagram, that's where she's mostly active and let me know in the comments how you guys liked this interviews talks. I've already interviewed two people and please give me your constant support and do like this interview. Thank you Shifali. Once again, thank you everybody who asked questions and contributed to this interview. Thank you one and all
So this might be a personal question and it's totally fine if you would want to answer this, but have you ever experienced any instances of a negative bodhe image around you? Not just personally, but maybe anybody else whom you know in this industry or any instance where they've been ridiculed for their body and have been asked to change that, for instance, body shaming? And how have you actually overcome it?
reader 75063
@reader75063 · 3:51
I hope that it's not, but I'm just curious, is that true? Another thing is, for ramp walk, you said that beauty and brains is required. So how do you hone your wisdom? How do you do that? We've seen people answer on the Miss World, Miss India, Miss Universe pageants, they ask really tough questions. How do you develop that skill? Do you meditate? Or do you do something to improve your personality? I'm just curious
Shifali Saldanha
@shifalisldn · 3:38
It could be smoking, it could be having drugs, it could be having alcohol, it could be just reading books, it could be partying, it could be maybe praying. There are different types of people. See, for me, it's not the alcohol or the smoke, because definitely I am a person who's very health conscious and I don't believe in damaging my body for anything in this world. But it's a personal choice and I'm not here to judge anybody
Hello, ma'am. Honestly, I didn't have much idea about modeling, but now I do have a little bit more clear picture about it, thanks to you. My question is about support systems. So just like in any other profession in modeling as well, it takes time to attain a certain level. And especially in case of downtimes, we need people around us to support us
Tanya Singh
@tanyasingh27 · 2:40
But currently the fashion, the modeling and all associated fields are ready to accept the females from all different kinds of sectors or all different ways. They are ready to accept that every person is beautiful. But when the things land up on the reality, when the things land up on the ground, people still have the same perception. Like, I would like to give you an example
Hi sefaliman modeling carries is very different yay samani normal life say bhatta lagote ishmael pam and prabha honey k bhadi maintained karnatak normal life to ah hi fi life then how how you feel like normal things and normal behavior like that how you in life? The vikusha kisikesato kushner criticism criticize ota and hook so how you maintain your criticism and jabi negative positive thinking oti just making a low k mutlabulahana criticize otauku Kabikabi inspired inspiring otha Kabikabi um Kabikabi and negative yogata butlam niras niraskar to miracles normal life say kidney allagothi model life
Shifali Saldanha
@shifalisldn · 3:11
So when it comes to cabin crew, airlines, or when it comes to professions like be it entertainment industry, or when it comes to fashion, when it comes to modeling, there are certain expectations. But like I said, there is inclusivity too. So clients also look for people with different colors, different shapes and different sizes. And see, beauty standards have been from the beginning, it's been from since long, long ages back
Shifali Saldanha
@shifalisldn · 2:37
Hi nijayapka nam nahimalum because the name Thor are different. Talking about criticism though type kick criticisms authenticate though the firstly it's constructive criticism and secondly it's destructive criticism. So constructive criticism may go upco job feedback data is intention may voltage achaho which will help you to grow. Which will help you to build. So that is called constructive criticism. Or jab koyapco destructive criticism. Beta MATLAB egg them say anisha the kata belittle kartai or when they talk you get that negative vibes, your jealousy vibes
Shifali Saldanha
@shifalisldn · 1:19
We all need people who like us, who appreciate us, because they are the ones who build us, and they are the ones, whenever we feel low or whenever we feel discouraged, apart from our family. It's also our fans who contribute equally. So I believe that we should maintain a balance between concentrating on our own work when such things go and also concentrating on our own work and also thinking about people and not hurting their sentiments
Shifali Saldanha
@shifalisldn · 3:38
People still need perfections when it comes to entertainment, when it comes to lead characters, or when it comes to supermodels, there is inclusivity. But again, these things are there and it cannot be minus. My take on this is, see, I have gone through it. I've seen my friends going through it. It's just about educating people and telling them that it's okay. It's okay to look that way and it's not okay to comment that way
Shifali Saldanha
@shifalisldn · 1:41
Hi. A really good question again. So support system is really important, be it any career choice. Apart from what we always troll on social media, talking about Indian parents saying yay, Dr. Bonega, yay. Engineer Benghi Bernangi. So when? You take a different career path. Support is very important, and I believe that it should come from family first. For me, it was my family who supported me, who believed in me. Because sometimes when you go through ups and downs
Ah, thank you so much for explaining constructive criticism and destructive criticism. It's really inspiring. Inspiring. It's really, really very inspiring. Actually, my name is archit Shawarni. Woman at the IK different. What? Use? Care, soulful sourniki. Ah, then thank you so much, ma'am, for your for your inspiring words. Thank you
Preshti 57
@Preshtifeels · 0:47
Hi, Shifali ma'am, thank you for being on Spell and it's really great that you're modeling. And thank you for sharing your point of views on modeling and giving such an inspiring speech on modeling. So here is a personal question I want to ask you that few girls who really like Model Link and they want to come up in this field, but because of their peer pressure or because of their appearance or because of society, something is stopping them
Shifali Saldanha
@shifalisldn · 4:34
Secondly, you spoke about diet and stuff. Personally speaking, I am blessed I can eat anything and get away with it because I have a really high metabolism. It doesn't really show up on my body. But I know my friends who are in this industry who really work hard, and it's only when I hang out with them I come to know the difference. When I have to eat salads and stuff like that, they tell ice cream is sugar desserts or sugar, and they talk calories
Shifali Saldanha
@shifalisldn · 1:06
Hi. Pristine. Well, I would just suggest there are good modeling sorry, the good modeling academies in Mumbai and in Phoning. So you can just Google and you will know there are two top modeling academies in Mumbai and there is one in Pone. Sorry, there are two in Pone. Again. So what do these academies do is basically they boost your confidence, they guide you, they help you. They change your perspective, they help you burst all the myths
How to start a journey to this much for being a pageant or to be like Miss India, Miss Continental Universe. Like, how to start what is the beginning phase of this field? It would be honor if you guide us with my question
Hi Ma'am. I am here Gupta inika Jenkar very glad to convince with you Ma'am and my question is what does mean by beauty? And which is your real beauty in your point of view, ma'am
Shifali Saldanha
@shifalisldn · 1:37
Hello. Hi. Well, I feel like a beauty pageant when I'm answering this question. We all know that beauty is skin deep. There's nothing called as real beauty, fake beauty in terms, except if you're referring to good looks or appearance. Well, in my opinion, you can be good looking
Shifali Saldanha
@shifalisldn · 3:16
So when you are trying to get into a beauty pageant, which is a local beauty pageant, also see who's the organizer, have they organized it before and who are the participants, who are the judges, how are they advertising it. Do your homework, do your research. And start off when you're going for a national pageant like Miss India, Miss Diva, which probably leads to Miss World and Miss Universe. And there are other national pageants also, like Miss Cosmos, Queen
Akanshya Kajol
@AKA381 · 1:42
So my question is that how you overcome that feeling, that difficult time, how you make yourself stand? So yeah, I would love and I would very grateful if you answer this question. Thank you, ma'am
Shifali Saldanha
@shifalisldn · 3:40
Or I'm working hard, but I'm not getting the results. So why don't you distract yourself? Learn 100 other skills, but at the same time, stay focused about your dreams and your goals
Hello shifalisldn shami desai. And that's an truly amazing. And we can truly take it as an inspiration for today's generation like me. And I suppose you have already inspired many more and model younger generation angled girls who like to join this path of modeling. So
Hello, Shifali. So there is one question from my side and that is I would like to know the precautions you would like to share with the anger generation today's anger generation who are willing to take up the modeling as their proficient. I the precautions you would like to give to today's anger generation who are willing to take up the part in this modeling industry. I will be glad if you share if you give your answer to this question. Thank you, ma'am
Shifali Saldanha
@shifalisldn · 3:57
And now it's very easy to get to know things because we have social media, we have Instagram, we have Twitter, we have YouTube. People do review about each other and there are a lot of models who have worked in different agencies. They give reviews about it so we can easily find out what is gen, when and what is fake. There's no question for getting scared or you need to get concerned about these things. Just be aware and cautious. That's it
tall fairy
@tall_fairy · 0:18
Hi, Ma'am. So my question for you is so what kind of people find it difficult to achieve in the modeling industry? And is there a certain beauty standards that is required for people to join the model industry? Or is it for everyone?
mannya nayar
@shesalliwannabe · 0:13
Thank you so much for an insight into your life. Ma'am. Mom, I wanted to know how do you see the fashion industry and the modeling industry evolving in the near future? And what more changes would you like to see?
@k_a_v_y_a_p_a_t · 1:16
Hi, Shifali, here is Kavir and I have a question for you. You must have facing many and many questions regarding modeling and all that stuff. I want to ask you that one advice, one suggestion or something from your heart there you want to give to young girls who are having a dream of modeling. Actress Search Industry but the family members always do have a question and something that is it safe for beginner? She's just a beginner, we don't know anyone
Shifali Saldanha
@shifalisldn · 0:47
Hi Kavia. If you have listened to my interview, you must already know that I've told a lot about these things. I'll just repeat again it's just the knowledge that we need, the awareness that we need, right? People that we need, our mentors who guide us. I've already told that there are two ways to get into one, the agency. And second is a modeling academy. You need to get trained. You can also start with beauty pageants, local beauty pageants
Shifali Saldanha
@shifalisldn · 1:10
And I'm really happy about what's happening right now. There's inclusivity. I can see that there are plus size models. So it was just SM and l before you used to go to mall and used to not find your right size, be it for skinny people or people who are extremely curvy, it was very difficult. But now there are plus size models. There are plus size models walking on the ramp. And that's really nice. Sorry, body positivity
news .
@news._.swell · 0:34
Hello, ma'am. First of all, it's always great to hear such advices and such really, you know, mind blowing advices and facts from some successful people like you. I just had one question. As for the young girls who are planning to go on the path and follow the path which you did, how could they deal with the societal pressure and the societal obligations that they have to face? Thank you
Hey, thank you for asking another question in this. Well, I think she has already answered similar swells like that with similar questions. So if you can, please do listen to the previous wells where she has answered questions likewise. So thank you so much for engaging in this interview and listening to this interview, in spite of your busy schedule. Thank you so much