‘Cons’ of the modelling world
After a Mumbai model posted her experience where she exposed a fake agent, those walking the ramp explain how to recognise conmen in the modelling industry…
While the world of modelling is glamorous, it comes with its share of trouble and Mumbai-based model Shibani Suvarna’s experience with “the owner of a foreign modelling company” is just one of those cases. On Monday, Shibani’s post, detailing a conversation with a fraud, went viral and many praised the model’s presence of mind and the way she handled the situation. However, not many models, especially freshers, can spot a “poser” and are easily taken for a ride.
“It’s not just the freshers. Every model, sometimes those who have enough experience, can also get taken for a ride,” says model Deborah Doris Fell. “Someone posing as an agent got in touch with me and a friend two-three years ago. But, something about his behaviour was suspicious so we cut him off. It helps to be aware of how a person talks; no professional agency would Whatsapp you.”
In Shibani’s case, she was quick to spot the man and one thing that gave him away was his language skills. “When agents from reputed agencies get in touch with you, they have basic language skills. That alone can help you realise that the person is not genuine,” explains model Alice Rosario.
So the best way would be to do a thorough background check before accepting a contract. “If someone tells you they belong to an established company, it doesn’t hurt to verify the facts. Or you can check with an experienced person in the field if the company is good. You can also check the person’s social networking account to find out if they are genuine,” she advises. Subhashini Nemani, a model from Hyderabad says, “Agents who mean work don’t beat around the bush, they directly discuss business. No one will just randomly say they will pay you a crore, as was the case with Shibani Suvarna.” And probably this is where it helps to always have a mentor or a confidante in the modelling industry who looks out for you.