Can you imagine a scenario where you turn on the television and find chubby ‘normal’ looking models pouting at the camera, trying to sell lifestyle items and hi-end clothing? This scenario may not be so improbable according to Bengaluru model Rachel Bayros who says, “A girl with a beautiful face and skin can get away with not being a size 0 if she is selling a beauty product like skin cream.” Fellow model Komal Kriplani also agrees with the ‘whatever fits’ philosophy, saying, “Different products have different criteria in picking a model and it is impossible to compare the two in any real terms.”
A recent survey which examined audience reactions to different male body types in ads found that people are just as likely to react positively to a person, who is not model-fit as they are to someone, who has the perfect six-pack. While this goes against long-held beliefs in the industry that ‘thin is in’, it also comes as somewhat of a relief to model Mayank Tivary. “Even as we are moving towards more realistic ads, I can’t believe the findings hold completely good. It all depends on what product is being sold,” he says. Contrary to the survey, Tivary adds, “Beauty products like body-sprays still require a model to be on the top of their fitness game.”
This sentiment is also echoed by event organiser and model Syed, who found it hard to take the results seriously. He says that “Personally, I find it’s very important to stay healthy and fit to be successful and therefore I make sure to go to the gym everyday.” He also believes that for a model to reach the level of being a household name, he has to keep himself in great shape.