Lured by the glamour and splendor associated with modelling, hordes of other naive girls and boys are now falling prey to con-agencies while many others are trapped in outrageous demands for sex by their agents. “It is estimated that India has thousands of modelling agencies with an estimate of only 50 of these having genuine credentials,” says Mehak Odera. In an interview with Pulse, the reigning Mrs Universe Esther Wahome, says most young people now venture into fashion because of the glare of cameras and money they anticipate from product endorsements. “With most of them being naive, they often get conned or used as sex objects by people running theses agencies,” she adds. One such victim is Mitali, a Female model currently based in Mumbai. Over the weekend, at the Bow and Tie fashion event at The House. Mitali ventured into modelling immediately after she completed high school in 2009. “I was sexually molested, more than once, by my manager in late 2010. She is currently the owner of a reputable modelling agency in Calcutta While puffing away her cigarette, the smartly donned gal opines that if it happened to her, it definitely is happening to many young people, regardless of gender.
The late night hours have now morphed into the wee hours of dawn, a good three hours later than the event was scheduled to end. The skimpily dressed girls seem stranded as guests leave at their own pleasure. Those that remain behind continue to dance and make merry. A few of the models join in the dance floor and before long, some elderly man — one of the guests of honour, a few hours and few drinks before — is now seductively gyrating with a pint-sized young model. Soon, they leave, hands around each other’s waist, and get into his car, leaving little doubt as to what activities they intend to crown their night with. “What do you expect some of us to do? This event was supposed to end at 10pm, it is now 1am, yet we were paid only Rs 2500. I live along Bandra Road, that money cannot afford me more than a cab at this time,” explains one of the models left behind. She is still skimpily dressed despite the chill and seemingly ready to grab any chance that dances her way.
