The VJ-actor-singer talks about the second season of ‘Supermodel of the Year’, working with contestants from different walks of life, and more
Anusha Dandekar is a name synonymous with fashion, music and MTV in India; Such has been the VJ, singer and actor’s influence on television for the better part of the last two decades…and counting. The contribution of the Indian-Australian in shaping the pop-culture zeitgeist in the country since the early 2000s cannot be underestimated, and the numerous hit shows testify to their influence.
His latest project. second season of MTV Supermodel of the YearWhere he is a judge along with Malaika Arora and Milind Soman. After the successful first season, this attempt at sophistication with the #UnapologeticallyYou theme is a statement for aspiring fashionistas to embrace their individuality and be themselves.
Speaking to us over a video call, Anusha finds time to have a quick chat about what MTV is hoping to achieve with the show, the pressures of being a reality show judge today, and if the pandemic has hit her ( and has influenced our fashion sensibility.
Excerpts from an interview:
This season, you have models from different backgrounds; From a cop and a hockey player to a boxer and a transgender person. How do you choose who to compete on the show?
Choosing women from different walks of life; It’s not something we ever consciously decide. What has been thoughtfully decided is that we will include all women from any background who aspire to be a supermodel and are committed to pursuing it as a career. That’s what our inspiration has always been, and everything else is really an added inspirational bonus.
When we’re accepting entries, there’s definitely got to be some level of experience that comes with them, which we can fix and weed out in the long run. We are looking for the supermodel who might not have all the training and so on, but we try to identify the passion with which we are going to be able to work.
The theme of the show is about breaking stereotypes, and how one should live the life of one’s choice. However, these are recent developments in the fashion industry. How does someone like you with nearly two decades of experience in the industry take the responsibility of changing preconceived notions?
This is a really good question. But let me tell you; I think I was raised so differently, that I never had that imaginary structure in my mind. I don’t think I’ve changed who I have been for the past 18 years because I was never told by my parents that, you know, this is what you have to be, or this is what you have to do.
When I got into the industry, it was probably because MTV never asked me to split, but I was always in a bubble… I don’t know. But I was always looking for a way to get everyone involved — on MTV shows, because I don’t believe our country was racist or that we couldn’t embrace diversity. I kept thinking, why do we have these unattainable beauty standards? And then of course, social media adds to all the tension of it.
But I think now – maybe the pandemic has helped – it’s beautiful to see that there is a change. mtv supermodel One of those changes is because we’ve always had diversity and that includes everyone. MTV was the first channel to have a show based on love, where we included everyone in the category of love, regardless of whether they were directly or part of the LGBTQIA+ community.
MTV has always been a safe place for me, and that’s why I feel like I’ve been here for so long. Yes, it has certainly been an uphill battle for a nation or the whole world to break these stereotypes, but I also think that somewhere MTV has always been in the lead… “We don’t see the standards, We’ll make our own, “You know?
Over the years, we’ve seen fashion have a major presence on social media, with Instagram influencers and so on, especially during the pandemic. How much of this influences fashion on-stage or traditional ideas about style?
Well, they are definitely two very different things. You are either an influencer on social media, or you are an expert in your field, right? But I don’t discriminate either. When you are an influencer, you are speaking to an audience that really resonates with you. Maybe you’re a fan of some things, but the people watching you relate because they don’t know much either, and you’re learning and having a good time along the way.
Then the expert is there, when you really want to get trained and learn properly. So I think, if you open your mind to it, you get the best of both worlds and educate yourself on a lot of things.
When you are a judge on such high-profile shows and interact with these young women on stage, how much pressure is there on you? Given that these are contestants with little fashion expertise, you may have to be critical at times, but don’t cross the line. Does it weigh on your mind?
I’m glad you picked it up. Look, I understand that discrimination happens and divides people into different categories. But now, you’re coming to a show where you shouldn’t feel isolated and you shouldn’t feel isolated! So when I’m judging you, I’m not going to treat you any differently, because He It’s discrimination for me.
If I see you as someone who is different from the rest, how are you feeling? So whether you’re trans, a police officer, an athlete, or just the girl who broke barriers to get here because her family wouldn’t allow it, we’ll treat you the same way.
Obviously, the bravery behind each and every one of them is so admirable and inspiring, and I love it. But when someone is on stage and wants to be a supermodel, I’m just looking at your technique and how you are on stage. I also remember off-camera, the transgender contestant telling us that she was so grateful to be on the show; I told him that he is here because of his ability and talent, not because we are trying to diversify in any way.
So if the trolls come out, please let them go, because that’s what I’d say: it’s You Making them feel different.
Lastly, how do you think the events of the past two years have affected everyone’s fashion sensibilities?
To be honest, wearing heels again has been the biggest issue for me. I feel like I’ve been barefoot for two years now! (laughs) But you know, it’s like muscle memory. After that the first dress is on and you can’t breathe for a while, the body adapts and you’re like, oh, this looks cute.
Weird, but nice to have a little different and revamped, though seriously. In terms of the fashion game, I think we’re all putting in a little extra effort because it’s been such a long time.
MTV Supermodel of the Year Season 2 airs every Sunday at 7 pm only on MTV
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