Style Check with Anusha Dandekar

Published in Mega Modelz magazine – Oct-Dec 2009 Issue – © Manali

MM gets the melodiously high Anusha revealing her routine preferences as she also picks up her favourites in fashion and trends

Personal style

I am a very moody dresser.

Most comfortable in

Pajamas.

Beauty regime

Cheryl Products face wash, spray and glow cream… and I’m good to go.

Hair care

Whatever shampoo seems good for that month.

Vanity bag essentials

Elizabeth Arden 8hr cream, hand sanitizer, hand cream and a lint roll.

5 must haves amid travelling

Passport, sunglasses, wallet, phone and my ipod.

A perfect unwinding plan

Going for a steam, eating junk food, watching movies or taking a relaxing shower.

Wardrobe quintessential

A great pair of designer jeans, nice short summer dress, favourite heels, cool sneakers and a chic pair of chapels.

Fitness ritual

I don’t have a fitness routine but I try to ride a cycle, swim or rollerblade whenever I can,  though that happens only once in 6 months. So I usually take the staircase and walk when I can.

Ultimate style icon

Cameron Diaz and Paris Hilton. Cameron is boyishly sexy, casual and her style is effortless. Paris is feminine chic and a lot of fun.

Any day brand

Miss Sixty fits my style best. It’s unpredictable, fun, young and fits really well.

Destiny’s child – Simran Kaur Mundi

Published in Mega Modelz magazine – March-April 2009 Issue – © Manali

When MM conceived the idea of doing a Wardrobe Raid story with a striking model, Simran Kaur Mundi made an obvious choice. She is young, spirited, gorgeous and above all, the latest crown holder supermodel. The fashion photoshoot had to be nothing but the best. Our team, ace photographer Munna S, make-up expert Pawar and hair stylist Sajaan reached her 7 Bunglows apartment and literally raided her totally heaving wardrobe, while Manali H. Shah got chatty with the dame, discussing her impressive collection, fashion hymns, euphoric life and everything else…

Saurabh Muley Photography

When I first met Simran almost two years ago and asked about her profession, she said she was a popcorn seller at amultiplex. Of course, she was just joking. But it left me wondering that if popcorn sellers would start to be as beautiful as her, who would watch the film? On a serious note, Simran did work for a cinema chain then, but only as a guest relations manager.

Coming from a biotech background, she always dreamt of making it big in the corporate world and thus planned to do an MBA as well. However, destiny had some other plans for this vivacious beauty. “My mum wanted me to participate in Miss India ever since. But I shrugged with the very idea. Every year, she would keep an eye on every detail about the contest. Nevertheless, I was headstrong about pursuing an MBA and getting into the corporate world,” she reveals. “It was until Dorris noticed me at Fame… well… I was actually making popcorn that time,” she laughs. What? “Seriously, I was hungry and making some caramel popcorn when she walked up to me. As we got talking, she said I must participate in Miss India.”

Subsequent to the initial blowout about this idea, Simran finally did some serious thinking. “Following this episode, I took it as destiny’s call and went forward. It was certainly not a childhood dream for me,” she says. Did she ever expect to win? “Yes. I mean, it did not come as a shock to me. After my participation, I knew I was the one.” She exclaims.

Finally the world saw this lovely girl walking away in glory with the prestigious ‘Pantaloons Femina Miss India-Universe’ crown. And that win changed it all for her. Today, after almost a year of endearing the title, she is totally happy to be where she is. Work wise, it’s going great guns for her. She has almost walked for all the renowned fashion designers like Hemant Trivadi, Ritu Kumar, Tarun Tahiliani, Satya Paul, J J Valaya and lots more. She also scores full marks when it comes to fashion weeks. “I have done America’s West Coast, Dubai Fashion Week and several other shows across the world. In India, I have done Lakme Fashion Week, Couture Week, Gitanjali Lifestyle Fest and the likes.”

Saurabh Muley Photography

Her first on-air television commercial for Parachute Hot Oil has earned her sparkling accolades too. She must be flying. “Not really. Luckily, my close friends keep me grounded all the time,” she giggles. So what are her future plans? “I am a girl who lives in present. But I know my future is bright for sure. I will definitely bring another feather to my parent’s hat. Besides, I believe my riches consist not in extent of my possessions but in the fewness of my wants,” she asserts.

For a Miss India title holder, getting film offers is now a standard thing. “Yes. In fact I was offered a film when I was 18…” She goes with the flow, “So now I am certainly getting a lot offers. Though, I am not ready to take a leap right away. I would first want to take a few acting classes and see if I can act. I prefer doing my ground work accurately,” she avers.

Agree. But what about those interesting offers in her personal life? She laughs with vague sense of amusement, “When I am not working, I am usually chilling with my friends. Hahaha…” Come’ on… I push her. “Okay, I kind of like someone, but I am not sure. Let’s hope… career is my first priority anyway. I don’t want any distractions… so I am not taking things forward. Except, if anybody worthy comes my way and sweeps me off my feet… well, then why not!”

Fashion & Wardrobe Raid

Mega Modelz: What is your fashion philosophy?

Simran Kaur Mundi: I don’t hold any philosophies. Fashion to me is a fad which comes n goes. One should not fall prey to the fashion trends. Instead, it’s important to know your body type and flaunt a style that looks best on you.

MM: How would you describe your style statement?

SKM: Style is ultimately all about confidence. If you are comfortable in what you are wearing, you are bound to look stylish.

Munna S Photography

MM: If you were stranded on a deserted island and could only have one beauty product and one fashion item with you, what would they be and why?

SKM: Beauty product would be my gloss, because I just can’t live without it. And for the one fashion item, it would be… hmmm… sexy hot pants maybe.

MM: Tell us about the best outfits in your wardrobe (ones that you picked)? And what is so special about it?

SKM: Well, at the outset, it has to be my Mango jumpsuit. I like it because first of all, it’s a jumpsuit. And I just love jumpsuits. Also, because of its really cool bottle green colour, I think it is pretty unique! Next would be the red Satya Paul gown. It is my favourite too, because it’s red… and I totally adore red! And also the fact that it compliments my long legs to its best, I simply love that one. The Swapnil Shinde dress is also one of my cutest outfits. I like it because it’s flowing n sheek at the same time. Whereas, the Deepika Gehani skirt and top is a complete party, I really like the stones the skirt has on it. It is something that I haven’t seen available easily in the market.

MM: One fashion fetish that you can’t get enough of?

SKM: Bags, definitely!!!

MM: What is the wackiest thing you own?

SKM: I have this wig that has horns on it! Looks wacky on me!

MM: Your most recent purchase?

SKM: A short day dress by CK.

MM: The oldest thing in your wardrobe?

SKM: I have this particular tee that I would myself not know how many years old it could be. It probably even has some holes now. But I still have it because it’s simply my favourite.

MM: The most expensive garment in your wardrobe?

SKM: Lehenga Choli by Ritu Kumar.

MM: The most expensive accessory that you own?

Saurath Muley Photography

SKM: Solitare studs.

MM: Name a fashion brand that you would trust any day?

SKM: Calvin Klein.

MM: Name five of the best designers of your choice in the world?

SKM: Marc Jacobs, Gucci, Dior, Ralph Lauren and Louis Vuitton.

MM: An era in history which was the most fashionable according to you?

SKM: The 70’s, anyday.

MM: Your favourite shopping destinations are?

SKM: Has to be New York and Dubai.

MM: The biggest fashion faux par that you ever committed?

SKM: Luckily, none so far… Haha!

MM: Name one fashion creation that you just can’t understand?

SKM: Low cut harrum pants. Why???