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S S KARTHIK
He towers over everybody in the room. And yet, when he starts talking,
he makes you comfortable instantly.
From a marketing person to leading fashion model to television
compere to managing editor of a fashion portal, his has been an
interesting journey.
Our model of the month - S. S. Karthik.
 Height:
6 feet 3 inches
Sunsign: Capricorn
Date of birth: 25th December
Interests: Cruising, current affairs and talk shows
Favourite Music: Sting, Coolio and lots of
Hindi pop.
Favourite tourist spot: Kerala
Tell us something about yourself
Well, I am from down south. I finished my M. B. A (Master of Business
Administration) in Madurai and came to Chennai as a marketing person.
Because of my height, I used to do a lot of fashion shows in college.
Then, I met Vidya and Shoba (Choreographers) in 1994
and became a ramp model. I never looked back after that.
How did your marketing background help you?
It helped a lot. I can move easily with anyone and make friends.
It gave me confidence and poise.
 Your
achievements?
I was one of the finalists at BSL Malestorm-98. Then got
selected in Gladrags Manhunt-99. I have participated in over
150 professional fashion shows, walked the ramp with almost all
the top models in the country.
Your advertisements?
The Hyundai Santro Commercial, Hyundai Brochures,
MRF Tyres, The Hindu, Ford Motors and many more.
Why do you think male models in Chennai
are not making it big?
Female models get more recognition and media support. The media
is more open to females. One title and they make it big. For us,
the only way is to hit it big in Mumbai. Again, over there, the
market is wide. You can get lost in the crowd. So, we have to nurture
promising faces and give the guys the backing to participate in
national contests. The situation is improving now. More and more
ad-film makers are giving us opportunities.
Next step? Movies?
I would like to. But, it is not easy for a male new comer. Anyway,
I am keeping my fingers crossed.
How do keep yourself fit?
I work out a lot. I work out regularly at Gym Castle. I
play a lot of basketball with my friends.
What about make-up for male models?
Nothing much. Some foundation base and voila! You are ready. No
fuss and no mess. Sometimes, I go without even that.
Who are your favourite models?
In the international scene, I like Tyson Beckford and Claudius
Schiffer. In India, Arjun Rampal, Mehr Jesia and Shvetha
Jaishanker.
Who are your favourite choreographers?
Achla Sachdev and Viba (Vidya and Shoba).
Your favourite actresses?
My dream woman is Sonali Bendre. In the south, I like Kousalya.
What do you think is your sex appeal?
My height, I suppose (Laughs).
If you were to change something about yourself,
what would it be?
 Well,
I am a very friendly person and totally down-to-earth. But, sometimes
it is a drawback and you do not get the respect you deserve. So,
I would like to alter that a bit.
What is your idea of relaxation?
Going for a long, really long drive. I am not a party animal, basically.
Apart from that, I watch a lot of international channels like CNBC
and talk shows. And, of course sleeping!
What is your ambition in life?
I am anchoring Pop Tucker (a pop show) and also producing
programmes in television. I am also associating myself with events.
I am managing a portal exclusive for Chennai models. My ambition
is to nurture talent in the Chennai modelling scene. I have been
with this industry for over 6 years, but, I started from scratch.
I would like to provide a platform for promising young talent through
my portal. Build it like a fashion magazine and promote budding
models of Chennai.
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