Ruth Hmar recounts the story of Pratik Bharali, a budding model and narrates about his indomitable spirit to stride ahead to achieve what he dreams off.
We know things are done and forgotten. But there are few things done that should not be forgotten. When we speak of fashion industry today, where walking a ramp and striking a pose is reduced to a facebook, whatsapp or instagram upload, there are a few Fashion fans for whom walking a ramp, striking their best pose, walking for designers has been translating into their life, their goals.
Pratik Bharali, a Guwahati lad who just had dreams and a mother – Mamta Bharali (who is bestowed with the honour of the Woman Achievers of Northeast by being the lady behind – Aastitva). His mother thought her son was the best looking, like every other mother thinks. In 2006, when people of the region did not know much about fashion or did not accept it as a very bright trait, he stepped his foot in the industry. He began coordinating for shows.
Standing with a height of 5’11.5” he was not easily accepted in the industry where there were male models standing 6’1” tall. Diganta Hazarika, Hassan Khan, Aryan Baruah, Anup Pegu had the height that was required. He was rejected and was a laughing stock for the fashion icons then. He worked hard and never-said-never. He used his wits and his passion to compensate for the missing 1 inch of his height.
He was a part of some of the most talked about pageants and won it with his guts and his determination. Naming a few – Malestorm 1st runner’s up in the year 2008-2009, Mr. Alcheringa 2007, Mr. Pantaloons 2009. In 2009 he represented Northeast in one of the most happening fashion event Unish Kuri Glam Hunt, and won the title of Best Groomed Contestant.
It was in 2010, when he ventured out to Kolkata and was able to walk for Kolkata Couture Fashion week in 2010. He did not stop at it, as he got shortlisted for Istyle Media Entertainment’s Mr. India International 2010 and was shortlisted for Gladrags Mega Model and Manhunt 2011 from Kolkata. But due to financial constraints he could not take it forward.
Then he was all set not to stay behind and took off for New Delhi in 2011. He successfully adapted to Delhi. He walked the ramp of Wills Lifestyle Fashion Week 2011 for designer Sadan Pande and shared the ramp with super models Nayanika, Carol Gracious, Alicia Raut, Joey and Bimal and marked his name as being the third North Eastern to have walked the ramp for Wills after Dipannita and Anup Pegu.
He also has a special achievement, as he is the first Asian to be the print model of United Colors of Benetton. After his achievement in Delhi, he shifted to Gurgaon and evolved as a strong event manager, anchor and choreographer today. He has managed some of the biggest fashion events in the country and has anchored successful shows like Kurls and Spykes, JD Institute Fashion show 2013 and Young Leaders Connect 2013.
The life of a model is short-lived, but there are few models who outlived it. Pratik is truly one of them. We wish him the best in his future endeavors. We have achievers in our midst; all that is required is, they are not forgotten and are counted as an idol for the upcoming breed of models.
