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Soaring High On Success, Soaring High On Success, Rangeet Raheel Who Started as a TeenWho Started as a Teen
With no idea of how modeling works, Rangeet from Kolkata never knew that destiny had plans prepared for him. He began his journey in this industry at 17 and has not looked back since.
Before Rangeet’s life took a turn, it was not easy for him. While growing he was an overweight child. Thus, he started working out and grew interested in fitness and gymming.
“While growing up, I was a very overweight kid. I used to play sports, so to get better at that I joined the gym. Eventually, I fell in love with the whole process of working out. Every summer I used to take pictures to see how I’m getting lean. In the year 2018, I finally decided to get some pictures clicked and get my photoshoot done for fitness purposes. Arpit Rungta helped clicking the pictures.”
After the first photoshoot, his photographer motivated him to make a portfolio and get into the modeling industry.
“Seeing my pictures, he said, ‘You have perfect height, body, and face, why dont’t you make your portfolio and try for modeling?’ Though I had no idea and zero interest in this industry he and his people helped me a lot as I was so young at that time. Eventually, I took interest and thought of giving it a shot.”
A month later after the photo shoot, he got his first professional work at the age of 17. Though he was more interested in workout and powerlifting being a certified trainer.
“ I got my first professional photo shoot after a month. It was quite a special moment for me, getting my first paycheck at the age of 17. I didn’t give much importance to that as I was more into powerlifting and working out. I gave more preference to that at that point of time.”
At the age of 18, he got a call from the very celebrated designer of Kolkata, Pranay Baidya for his runway show, which was covered by many known newspapers in Kolkata. That was the turning point of his career in the modeling industry.
“Many famous personalities in that show noticed me and more shoots were offered in the following days. Also, I met new people and senior models.”
As a student at that time, it was not easy. Due to his unsuitable hairstyles, he missed lectures. But it did not stop his budding passion for the fashion industry.
Being from a Bengali family, mostly unexposed to this industry, Rangeet’s family has been always supportive in every manner.
He started earning from a very early age as a trainer. But eventually, he also gained interest in the stock market and finance in the ongoing pandemic.
“ I was quite stubborn of not taking any financial help from my family and started working at a very early age. The pandemic led to the shutting down of both fashion and fitness industry. I had to have back up for my income sources which eventually made me interested in stock market and finance.”
When asked about struggles, he shared his experiences saying,
“In the initial stage, I used to get rejection due to the lack of structure, as I was a powerlifter. I used to have a bit of bulk body. However, modeling needs a lean body, so yes, I faced struggles as in Kolkata modeling industry does not work the same way as it works in big cities like Mumbai and Delhi.”
Out of Kolkata he recently worked with a camp organized by FDCI and Wilderbee Talent Camp. He was the only male model from East India and was among the top fifteen models. He was trained under the guidance of a very renowned supermodel and founder of Wilderbee Talent Camp, Laxmi Rana. Along with the very famous jury of Jamal Shaikh, Manish Malhotra, Payal Pratap, Nikhil Rishi Mehra, and Suket Dhir.
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He has worked with distinguished photographers like Amit Khanna from Mumbai and Ssayann Sur Roy from Kolkata for the editorial magazine.
“ It was quite an energetic experience for me. I learned so many things from that campaign. Specifically, punctuality at work. My work with eminent photographers has been a dream, which came true. Amit Khanna was a very down-to-earth person and it was really fun working with him.”
He was also approached by Next Model London in association with the company in New York and was supposed to be the part of the Burberry show. The pandemic caused the cancellation. He also worked for local brands like Ajanta shoes, Lifestyle, and so on.
While talking about molestations and misbehaviors newbies faced in this industry, he said,
“It was quite often as I was very young and didn’t know about these things. There used to be times where designers used to touch inappropriately while fittings or they used to ask for inappropriate pictures. Also, call for after parties.
I believe one should create a boundary when it comes to doing something which is beyond your morals and ethics. Many models opt for shortcuts too but loose their dignity and they don’t get the same respect. So if someone tries to do such stuff, one should not be afraid of raising voice and saying a no.”
When asked about any favorite brand or designer he looks forward to working with. He said,
“ I worked with almost all famous brands and designers in Kolkata, now looking forward to work in Mumbai and Delhi. And also want to walk for Lakme Fashion Week and work for renowned national designers and even work internationally.”
To keep up with good health in a hectic schedule, Rangeet takes his own diet with him on set. And he believes in having good sleep because shoots call-up can be at any time.
Rangeet is soaring high and wishes to fly higher.
Read: “The best thing is, to achieve everything you always wanted to”, Yashraj Singh Chouhan
