Diandra Soares

At the early age of 13, Diandra Soares had made up her mind about being a model. The inspiration came in the form of India's Madhu Sapre who stood fifth at the Miss Universe pageant. Her honest and straightforward answers in the pageant impressed Diandra and she decided that she wanted to be up there. Diandra's close resemblance to Madhu, in terms of her looks and candour, was another encouraging factor for her to make it in the glamour world.

During her childhood years, Diandra was abnormally tall for her age and her family always joked that she should become a model. Little did they know that this dark, tall and rather awkward-looking girl would be a rage in Indian modelling industry. However, Diandra has only her parents to thank for the success that she has seen. They were a 'no-problem' couple and in fact, helped her in whatever she wanted to do, let alone oppose it.

Her entry into the modelling world was marked by her triumph as Miss Bombay '95. Thereafter, she got her first ad film in Dinesh Suitings. James Ferreira who did her outfits was impressed by this dusky beauty and recommended her to choreographers Sangeeta Chopra and Lubna Adams. Soon, Diandra made her way to the most prestigious ramp shows in town.

By 18, she was a well-known model. Diandra contested in the Femina Miss India. Though she failed to bag the crown, she won the coveted title of Miss Beautiful Skin. She explains: "Femina was keen on promoting newer faces. Since I was already established, I perhaps couldn't make it to the top." Her answer in the final round was honest and curt. She was probably written off for her candid quotes just as it happened to her idol, Madhu Sapre.

Her modelling work includes commercials for products like Tips and Toes, VIP underwear, Tillsbury whiskey and music videos for Ila Arun (Kichdi), Jalwa, Jadoo and Bali Bramhabhatt's remix album.

When she started, Diandra was well known for her ringleted locks. But now, she is recognised more as a model who had shaved off completely. This bold, bald move by Diandra a couple of years ago put her in the spotlight.

Was this just a publicity stunt? "No way, " she retorts to say, "It's something that I always wanted to try out. I didn't do so for grabbing media attention or more assignments." She merely wanted to know what it feels like to be bald and recommends that one should have the experience of baldness at least once in a lifetime. She exclaims: "The sensation is amazing."

Her friends laughed off when she talked about going bald. But she stuck to her word. She took this step while holidaying in Goa. Reliving the glorious moments of her bald days, she says, "That feeling of the breeze flying past your clean head, water flowing down without being blocked by hair and sand trickling down your head smoothly is magical."

Though the stint won her fame, she did not gain much out of it. "In fact, I lost out on several Delhi ramp shows," she says," The audience there would not accept a bald model." After turning bald, Diandra did some unconventional ramp assignments. She stayed that way for a year and gave up on her bald look last November.

Diandra has some big plans for the future, including modelling opportunities abroad, London to be precise. Why London? "Because in London, different and unconventional faces are more in demand than anywhere else," she explains.

Diandra's motto is to retain her identity and make her presence her felt wherever she goes. She wants to stand out in the crowd and to acquire a new look every season. According to her, that's what a model is all about. Being different, and versatile! Someone who can look good in any outfit. Being a trendsetter and someone who can look good in any outfit. This is Diana Soares for you.