#CatchChitChat: Any model can become an actor, but not every actor can become a model, says MTV India's Next Top Model's Neeraj Gaba

Do you think modelling helps pave the path for entry into films?

Well, if you go by previous instances, then it certainly looks like modelling makes it easy to enter into films. But I think that's what we are here to work out on - to show that a model doesn't necessarily to be an actress to prove how different she is or what fame she deserves.

There was a time when we used to have top models and supermodels from India at the international level. However, there has been a lull in that sphere for a while now. And that is what India's Next Top Model wants to bring in. We don't have models like Madhu Sapre, Ujjwala Raut and Milind Soman in our field anymore. It's important for today's models to realise that any model can become an actor but every actor cannot be a model.

For eg: Madhu Sapre can never become a conventional Indian heroine. But she was a supermodel.

In India, modelling is perceived to be a profession that is restricted to the privileged alone. What is your take on this?

I am very sorry for the statement that I am about to make. But for women in India, no matter what profession they want to take up and excel in, society always raises questions. It is not only about modelling, women are always questioned for their choices. We are getting into that universal zone of equality. But it is a slow process.

As a grooming expert, you are no stranger to transforming people. How do you do that?

I would say that I don't do anything. What they do is what they do with themselves. What I go ahead with and kind of bring to the table is that I help them to identify their uniqueness. The moment you have identified that, you are capable of walking the path ahead alone. And once you start walking on that path, you shine. There's no magic there. The only magic lies within you. Everybody has a different kind of magic. So, not everybody can be a model.

For eg: There are many girls who connect to me and tell me "I want to be a model". But they all can't be models. And then there are many who don't believe that they can be models, but the moment you look at them... you know they can be a supermodel.

What is your take on reality TV shows and how they are perceived as a shortcut to fame?

I think our attention spans have reduced a lot. Especially that of the youth. They are aware of what they like and what they don't. Whether what they like is right or wrong is a different question. A reality TV show brings this to these youth. Now what they pick out of it and what they don't... it is all an individual choice.

I am not denying that reality shows are not a shortcut to fame. They are. But, whether an individual watching it or participating in it takes it as a shortcut or not - it is an individual choice.

See, everybody wants a stepping stone in their career. And reality TV shows are that.

What is the toughest part of being a judge on a reality TV show?

You have to be real. When you spend time with real people, there is a possibility that you will be subjective with them. Because you are constantly monitoring them. So the toughest part is to remain true and real when you've begin. So that by the end of it as well, your values and objectivity stay the way as is.