Wannabe models, be careful. To be the next Katrina Kaif or Deepika Padukone, you may have to pose smilingly at the edge of a dangerous cliff or look sensuous as killer whales jump behind you.
Wannabe models, be careful. To be the next Katrina Kaif or Deepika Padukone, you may have to pose smilingly at the edge of a dangerous cliff or look sensuous as killer whales jump behind you.
While shooting under hostile conditions for the coveted Kingfisher Calendar, many bikini bombshells feel a chill running down their spine, said photographer Atul Kasbekar. "We have done real shoots with sharks, killer whales, at jail cells and even at the edge of a cliff. The models we look for should be comfortable in such situations. They have to enjoy the adrenaline rush and stay composed," Kasbekar said.
India's most sought-after faces like actress Katrina Kaif, Deepika Padukone, Yana Gupta and supermodel Ujjwala Raut have earlier graced the pages of the ultra chic calendar. A couple of years ago, the ace lensman had shot model Monikangana Dutta, who will be making her silver screen debut in Hrithik's 'Guzaarish', in Ladkah's Khardung La pass at above 18,000 feet with minus degree temperatures.
"It was bitterly cold and every one was wearing monkey caps and coats, but Monikangana stood there in a swimsuit with the snow-capped mountain behind her. A model might be in pain under the given circumstances, but she can't express that," he said.
The Kingfisher swimsuit calendar became a cult phenomenon after it was conceived by Kasbekar in 2003 for the UB group. Even during the model hunt to chose one of the 12 smouldering beauties for 2011 edition of the calendar, grilling tasks like posing inside a 3 by 3 feet air-tight box and with a live crab crawling all over the body, was given to contestants.
"We are giving aspiring models a taste of what they might face in real life," the photographer said when asked about their model hunt, christened as a reality show on lifestyle channel NDTV Good Times.
Contrary to the perception that all models have to be skinny, he said an athletic body is of utmost importance for the swimsuit calendar. "If you are thin, you can do a catwalk but can't fit into a swimsuit calendar. You have to be extremely fit, very toned and athletic to do it. A skinny body won't work at all," he pointed out.
They have even tied-up with a gym to give the models a proper workout regimen and monitor their nutrition levels. The 45-year-old is frank enough to admit that he doesn't mind working with a dumb model. "I just want them to look like a million bucks. It's her photo that should do the talking. So I don't care about the intelligence level of a model," Kasbekar said.
Known for featuring seasoned models in sizzling bikinis at exotic locales, the limited edition of the calendar promises twelve months of glamour and visual appeal.
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