Indian dreams in the Big Apple
Divya Singaravelu was a leading model from Tamil Nadu and television show host when she decided to leave the city and seek better opportunities overseas. While designers and fashionistas mourned the pretty lass’ departure from the city to New York, Divya went on to bag a contract with the prestigious international modelling agency, Wilhemina Models, becoming the country’s first female model to do so. “I have been modelling since my college days in Chennai and have endorsed many national and international brands,” says Divya speaking from New York. “Media has always been my
pas- sion and once I was confident about my work, I applied to Wilhemina models.” In a week’s time Divya received a mail from the agency for an audition and eventually got an opportunity under their ‘Commercial and Print Modelling’ and ‘Young Actors’ division.
“I was unprepared for it,” says the model in retrospect. “When I met the director, Kelli Walters, I was apologising profusely for the quality of my prints as I had moved to NYC only three months ago. She was very kind and understood my situation. She even introduced me to Nicole Astel, their agent, to book me for acting jobs. They are sure that my television experience will help me secure good acting jobs,” she smiles.
Since the prestigious deal with the international modelling house was signed, Divya has had a new portfolio put together by noted photographer Tony Gibble and attended photo movement and auditioning and acting classes conducted by acting and modelling coach, James Pantaudi, of Albany Talent. “I am taking various classes including runway modelling, voice-overs and theatre acting at the talent agency. James said that he especially loved my ‘international’ accent,” she gushes.
Divya seems absolutely ready to take on New York. “I’ve just started my modelling and acting career in NYC. I hope to hold the Indian flag high here.” She adds, “I once saw a billboard in NYC that said ‘New York City — Dream big or go back home’. That’s exactly how I feel here. I feel the city is a melting pot of all the different cultures in the world!”
So, will the fashionista ever return to her roots and continue the good work she began as the founder of Green For Thought, a non-profit organisation that promotes organic and green lifestyles? “I will return in a heartbeat,” she says. “The values and ethics that I have learnt in India hold me in good stead abroad. The core values that I have imbibed during my years in Chennai have ensured that I stay focused on achieving my goals, regardless of where I am,” she smiles.