As the countdown to Lakmē Fashion Week begins, the air in the modeling circuit feels electric. Designers are racing to finalize their lineups, PR teams are glued to their phones, and models, well, they’re somewhere between excitement and exhaustion. For those who’ve been through it, the frenzy before a major show is just another part of the rhythm. But for new faces dreaming of their first runway, casting calls can feel like make-or-break moments.
We caught up with a few familiar names in the Indian fashion scene, models who’ve walked, auditioned, and aced the grind, to find out what really goes into nailing a casting. Spoiler alert: it’s not just about good looks or perfect measurements.
Key Takeaways from the Pros
1. The Preparation Ritual
Preparation for a casting begins long before stepping into the room. For Vanshika Saxena, balance is everything. “I don’t believe in extreme diets,” she says. “I eat clean, train regularly, and listen to my body, some days it needs rest more than discipline.” Her secret? Smart hydration. “A day before the audition, I cut back a little on water to avoid puffiness and drink fresh juice on the morning for a glow.”
Beyond fitness, grooming plays a quiet but crucial role. Vanshika’s checklist is simple: clean nails, tidy brows, and a quick face mask. “You don’t need a salon visit, just look like you made an effort.”
Punctuality, she adds, is non-negotiable. Arriving early helps her centre herself and stand out. Meanwhile, Vaani Rastogi swears by packing smart, “A protein bar, water bottle, nude heels, and pasties always travel with me,” she laughs. “You never know how long the day will run.”
2. Walking the Talk
For most casting directors, a model’s walk speaks before their words do. But the trick, according to Rewati Chetri, is not to overthink it. “Don’t try to copy anyone,” she insists. “Confidence shows when you move naturally. Wear something fitted, keep your posture clean, and walk like you belong there.”
Self-awareness helps, too. Vanshika, ever the perfectionist, records herself walking in different outfits. “You’d be surprised at what you notice on camera,” she says. “Maybe your arms swing too wide or your pace is uneven. Small fixes make big changes.”
Then there’s Jayesh Bulani, one of the few male models making waves across both editorial and ramp work. His secret weapon? Visualization. “I rehearse in my head before every casting,” he says. “I imagine being on the runway, hearing the music, seeing the lights. By the time I’m actually in the room, it feels familiar.”
That mindset, he adds, does half the job. “It’s not about impressing people; it’s about matching their energy. Casting panels aren’t hunting for perfection, they’re looking for presence. If you walk in believing you already belong there, they’ll feel it too.”
3. Facing the Rejections
Every model has a story about a job that didn’t happen. And yet, it’s rarely the end of anything. Vaani puts it simply: “Rejections are a constant. You’ll face more ‘no’s than ‘yes’s, but each one toughens you up.”
The key, she says, is detachment. “You can’t take it personally. Sometimes they’re looking for someone taller, or someone with a different vibe, it’s not always about you. The more you treat each audition as practice, the better you become.”
And when it does work out? The rush is unmatched. “That moment when you get the callback, or your name appears on the lineup, it makes every long wait, every late-night prep worth it.”
4. What the Pros Want You to Remember
Casting calls, chaotic as they are, aren’t just a test, they’re an introduction. It’s your energy, not just your face, that lingers in the room. The veterans agree on a few golden rules:
- Show up early, not just on time.
- Keep your outfit clean and fitted, never distracting.
- Smile, even if you’re nervous.
- Stay polite, no matter how rushed the environment feels.
As Rewati sums it up, “The most memorable people are the ones who stay genuine. You can see confidence, but you can also feel kindness.”
5. Owning the Experience
At its heart, a casting is more than an audition, it’s an exchange of energy. You walk in not just to be chosen, but to express who you are. That’s the part many forget in the rush to impress.
So, whether it’s your first time stepping into a studio or your tenth call for Fashion Week, keep your calm, trust your prep, and let your presence do the work. Because, as Vaani so perfectly says, “It’s messy, unpredictable, and exhausting, but it’s also magic. The kind of chaos that makes you fall in love with what you do, all over again.”
Final Thoughts
Bottom line? The secret to nailing a modeling audition isn’t perfection, it’s poise. Dress sharp, stay early, walk tall, and own your space. After all, it’s not only about landing the job; it’s about embracing the moment that might just change everything.
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