Bhubaneswar: Nakul Bhardwaj has made history.
The 21-year-old became the first Indian male model to walk the Versace ramp with industry giants like Gigi Hadid and Vittoria Ceretti at the Milan Fashion Week.
Nakul has broken the glass ceiling for aspiring models around the world who don’t consider themselves lucky enough to be chosen for such prestigious fashion events.
By representing the country at such a grand event, Nakul showcased Indian talent globally and set benchmarks for other global models.
“I was at a friend’s place in Milan and worried about not getting a call back from any of the castings I have been to. Just then, my phone rang and upon checking it was an email that said ‘Job-Versace.’ It was one of the best feelings I have ever experienced,” shared Nakul.
Talking about the challenges he faced, the young model said: “When Gigi and Vittoria strutted down and took their spots, my grin and nervousness were inevitably visible to everyone there. However, as soon as I floated down the runway, all of it vanished and I was already feeling like a supermodel in my head. As for physical challenges, just before the show, I suffered from food poisoning two times in a row. But I was locked in my head that this was my time. I hit the gym for 2 months and carefully crafted my physique without leaving room for errors. It all paid off in the end.”
Nakul said it was the beginning for him.
“It was not an easy road to reach the place where I am right now. I wish my grandparents were alive to watch me succeed. My grandfather especially would be proud of me for accomplishing this milestone of being the first Indian male model to walk for Versace. I have even bigger things on my mind that I want to do and this is just the start,” Nakul said.
“There is a really long way ahead from here on and even bigger milestones to achieve. Right now, I feel happy for everything I have achieved,” he remarked.
Two years ago, Avanti Nagrath became India’s first female model to open the show for Versace.
