Modelling overshadows studies: Wadia

New Delhi, Feb 20 (UNI) Maureen N Wadia is credited with scripting success stories of glamorous models like John Abraham, Dino Morea, Koena Mitra and Lara Dutta to name a few, but she strongly feels that today's generation take up modelling just to evade studies.

''Modelling is an excuse for an youngster not to study or work. Don't sacrifice your parent's ambitions if you are a student or if you have a regular job,'' was India's ace model maker's message to the young generation .

Ms Wadia, the chief patron of 'Britannia Gladrags Mega Model and Manhunt Contest' further elaborated her point of view by saying that if one desires to get into modelling, he or she should toil by his or her own earning and not out of their parent's pocket.

In this context, she cited the example of John Abraham and said, ''John was a classical example of 'hard work' and 'dedication'. He first worked in an Advertising Agency, accumulated money and then chased for his dream - 'name and fame in the glamour world'.

''These youngsters think that glamour is the first step to success which is not right and only two people who can control them today, are their parents.

Addressing the media on the sidelines of the first North India screening for the 'Britannia Gladrags Megamodel and Manhunt Contest-2007' here today, Ms Wadia said glamour is a tough business and youth is what everybody is chasing today because the present market is 'youth-oriented'.

''Glamour is such a business which should be taken very seriously,'' the socialite said, adding ''This business is not only about good looks, but about 40 to 50 per cent intelligence.'' When asked about the receipe behind her 'midas touch', she said there are only three things ingredients needed to make this receipe and it is 'self-discipline, sincerity and perseverance'.

Critising the mere business mentality of various telent grooming schools, the model maker said, ''Unfortunately there are a lot of grooming schools today are unprofessional and only hanker after money, but what I give is totally free. What I give aspiring models is my one-month time.'' The preliminary round of this year's Gladrags Megamodel and Manhunt Contest is being held in four cities - Kolkata, New Delhi, Bangalore and Mumbai. The finals of the competition will be held in Mumbai on April 7.

UNI