Her ease in front of a camera belies the fact that Pooja Mor has only been modelling for two short years, placed with Elite in New York and with Anima Creatives as her mother agency. From Bodice to Ritu Kumar, Louis Vuitton to Givenchy, she is among India’s most recognizable faces and at 24 is captivating and capitalizing on what seems to be aligned with the international ascent of Indian models.

The Beginning > Born and raised in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, my childhood was carefree and simple. I grew up eating delicious home cooked food and playing satoliya or cycling with my friends. There were lush grounds near my house where I would go running in the winter and a stadium where I swam every summer. I studied science till grade 12 and engineering after; with plans to take the CAT exam for an MBA application, I could not have predicted the path my career has taken. 

I won the Miss Ahmedabad ‘Clean and Clear’ beauty pageant in 2011 while still in college. The first time I thought of giving modelling a try was when I saw my photograph in the newspaper the next day.

I moved to Delhi upon graduating and was spotted by Anima Creatives, India’s leading talent firm which is now also my mother agency. The welcoming nature of Anima’s directors, Mark Luburic and Gunita Stobe, made me feel instantly comfortable. They would often tell me to just be myself in front of the camera which took the burden off trying to be like someone else.

Above: Nordstrom Space Edit ‘The Comme des Garçons Dynasty’  image | Dario Catallani

I worked on various fashion assignments in Delhi and later in Mumbai, and in 2015 I got noticed through Instagram by Elite Model Management, New York. I’m currently placed with Elite in New York where I work and live, Premium in Paris, Special management in Milan and Wilhelmina in London. 

The move to New York has been adventurous. I have seen half the world – Barbados, Milan, Paris, London, Avignon – in less than a year which is both overwhelming and exciting.

Louis Vuitton was my first big break and ever since I’ve worked with some extremely talented people and many illustrious magazines who have contributed to the exposure I’ve gained over the past year.

Above: Narciso Rodriguez S/S 2016, Louis Vuitton Cruise 2016, Alexander McQueen S/S 2016 images | Vogue Runway

Campaigns > The Tory Burch Spring Summer 2016 campaign was a great experience. We flew to warm and sunny Barbados where the trees and tropical weather reminded me of home in India, and the collection had a fresh vibe – lots of bright orange, gold and shades of blue. It came naturally to me but then again who doesn’t love to wear beautiful clothes, run around and be happy?

Above: Tory Burch S/S 2016 image | Josh Olins

Another very special project was the Vogue Italia April 2016 cover photographed by Peter Lindbergh because I am the first Indian model on the cover of the magazine. I also loved working with Patrick Demarchelier for the US Vogue August 2016 issue, and Txema Yeste for Numéro Magazine China and NET-A-PORTER’s The Edit magazine covers. Pat McGrath is someone I personally enjoy working with – her makeup is simply amazing.

Above: Vogue Italia April 2016, Numéro China April 2016 images | Peter Lindbergh, Txema Yeste

Industry perspective > I would tell any aspiring model to join an agency; I have worked without one and know how much harder it is. People think of modelling as a glamorous job and while it may be so in parts, it also requires the model to invest time in directing and planning his/her career. This is where an agency becomes important because they not only know the job better but also the market.

My advice would be to choose an agency which understands and believes in you and let them plan your career so you can focus on yourself and work with more power. Don’t think of saving on commissions by freelancing but instead, let your agency make the right moves for you. 

There is a shift in perception towards Indian models and today, international fashion brands are including more Indian faces in their campaigns to make them appear diverse, something no one could have imagined 30 years ago. Brands are now looking to expand in the growing economies of India and Asia so it makes sense to have the region represented in their advertising.

Having worked both in India and abroad, I can tell the difference. While in India assignments are largely Bollywood and “glamour”-driven with references for everything, internationally, concepts are centred around the model’s individuality.

Striving to do something new is what really inspires me and the industry abroad often uses that approach.

Above: The Edit magazine A/W 2016, i-D magazine UK March 2016  images | Txema Yeste, Daniel Jackson

Regimen > As a model you need to be focused, have defined goals and know what you want from life. Constantly moving to new environments or countries will challenge your limits and displace you from your comfort zone. Adjusting to new cuisines, differences in cultures and societies can be difficult even after years of doing it. You have to find a routine that helps you stay calm and composed through it all. 

I follow Falun Dafa, a Chinese spiritual practice which is centred on the tenets of truth, compassion and forbearance.

It involves meditation to calm the mind, exercises which strengthen the body and a set of teachings to cultivate the heart. Practicing Falun Dafa has made me a better person and is my regular source of inspiration. Earlier, in a trying situation, I would find problems in others and blame them for whatever went wrong but now, I first acknowledge my faults and think about what I can improve within myself to turn the situation over. 

Above: Numéro China April 2016, i-D magazine UK March 2016 images | Txema Yeste, Daniel Jackson

Modelling brings physical and mental challenges and involves hard work and discipline. I start my mornings with meditation, follow with a healthy breakfast and then, depending on the castings or travel lined up for the day, I squeeze in my fitness regime which includes pilates and boxing.

There is so much travel involved between New York and Europe that I can be horribly jet lagged sometimes and still need to give 100% at a shoot right after an eight hour flight. I must admit though that I don’t mind any of it because I am extremely passionate about what I do; my work keeps me energized. 

People > Though there was little support from my parents at the beginning, I value the person they made me and their willingness to accept my choices. Their negative impressions about the industry and modelling as a career changed after they saw that it was a realistic career choice for me. Now, they ask me how I did this all by myself and they call me brave. My parents are always there when I need to speak to someone and they believe in me unwaveringly. My mom shares her favourite recipes with me since I live on my own now, and always packs me gajar ka halwa before I get on a plane.