Session 119 summary
Andrea reflects on her journey, spanning from her upbringing in Nagaland to her flourishing career in the entertainment industry. Born in Kohima into a close-knit family, Andrea navigated a childhood shaped by the watchful eyes of her strict yet loving parents and the influence of her four older sisters. Raised in a sheltered environment, she found herself taking a leap of faith as she ventured into the dynamic world of modelling at the tender age of 15. Growing up in Kohima, Andrea experienced the tight-knit bonds of community, where her identity was intricately woven into the fabric of her surroundings. Yet, despite her deep roots, she grappled with a sense of belonging due to the linguistic and cultural boundaries imposed by her parents’ differing tribal backgrounds. This dichotomy left her feeling somewhat disconnected from the broader community, finding solace and strength within the cocoon of her family. Embarking on her modelling career marked a significant departure from the familiar comforts of home, propelling Andrea into a realm of new experiences and challenges. Through her journey as a model, she honed her craft and embraced opportunities to collaborate with esteemed designers and grace the pages of renowned publications. Transitioning into acting, Andrea draws upon her diverse life experiences to breathe life into her roles, infusing authenticity and depth into her performances. As she continues to carve her path in the entertainment industry, Andrea remains rooted in her upbringing, carrying with her the lessons and values instilled by her family and community. Today, she stands as a testament to resilience and determination, embodying the spirit of a woman who fearlessly embraces the unknown and charts her course with unwavering grace.
Growing up, Andrea harboured aspirations of becoming a medical doctor, fuelled by her passion for studies and her commendable academic performance. However, destiny had alternative plans in store for her. Recollecting her journey, she fondly shares snapshots of her family – her mother, sisters, and father – reflecting on the cherished moments of her upbringing. At the age of 15, Andrea’s trajectory took an unexpected turn when she received a message from Anima Creatives, a modelling agency based in Mumbai. With little exposure to the world of modelling and uncertain about her place in it, Andrea initially hesitated, resolute in her desire to pursue a career in medicine. Despite her initial reluctance, the agency persisted, expressing interest in representing her and arranging a Skype session with her and her family. Despite her initial reservations, Andrea’s path eventually led her to embrace the opportunities presented by the modelling industry. At 16, she found herself featured in Harper’s Bazaar, in an editorial spread for Gucci, marking the beginning of her foray into the world of fashion. Working alongside seasoned professionals, Andrea’s confidence grew, laying the groundwork for her future endeavours.
Relocating to Shillong for her final two years of high school, Andrea’s potential as a model caught the attention of the same agency that had reached out to her earlier. Determined to chart her own course, she deliberated over the offer, taking time to fully grasp the implications of signing on as a model. Despite the uncertainties, Andrea’s innate talent and the unwavering support of her family paved the way for her to step into the realm of modelling with confidence and determination. Each step of her journey, from her childhood dreams to her unexpected entry into the world of fashion, has shaped Andrea into the resilient and accomplished individual she is today. After much contemplation, Andrea made the pivotal decision to sign with a modelling agency and embark on her journey in Mumbai. Reminiscing on her early days in the industry, she shares snapshots of her initial foray into modelling, recounting the thrill of booking remarkable jobs and collaborating with talented individuals. However, navigating her burgeoning career alongside her studies proved to be a daunting task during her first two years, requiring her to juggle responsibilities and make sacrifices, including compromising her attendance for the sake of her craft.
Initially, Andrea grappled with doubts about whether she had made the right choice, feeling like a fish out of water in the fast-paced world of modelling compared to her slower-paced life in Kohima. Yet, as time passed, she found herself embracing the challenges and enjoying the fruits of her labour, working with esteemed professionals and expanding her horizons.
Upon completing her high school education, Andrea opted to take a year off to gain clarity and explore her options. Relocating to Mumbai, she immersed herself in her career, landing significant campaigns and collaborations with prominent magazines. It was during this time, at the age of 18, that Andrea received an unexpected opportunity to venture into acting.
Despite her initial plans to pursue opportunities abroad, Andrea found herself presented with an audition for a film role. The prospect of playing the female lead in a movie centred on the north-eastern region of India was both exhilarating and daunting, particularly given the additional challenge of portraying a female boxer—a role that seemed far removed from her own athletic abilities.
Nevertheless, Andrea’s determination and willingness to embrace new experiences led her to accept the role, despite the uncertainties that accompanied it. With no one to turn to for guidance, she relied on her own instincts and resolved to give her all to this newfound opportunity, echoing the resilience and courage that had guided her journey thus far.
Feeling a deep connection with her character in the script, Andrea made the resolute decision to pursue the film role. Immediately, her days became a whirlwind of intensive training sessions. She immersed herself in boxing lessons, weight training, acting classes, and even mastered the skill of riding a bike—a multifaceted endeavour that demanded her full commitment.
The decision to focus solely on her acting endeavours meant temporarily setting aside her flourishing modelling career, a sacrifice she made wholeheartedly in pursuit of her newfound passion. Despite the challenges, Andrea found solace in the process, recognizing the personal growth and maturity that accompanied her dedicated efforts.
However, the onset of the global pandemic brought an unexpected pause to her journey. Yet, undeterred, Andrea persevered, resuming work on the film once restrictions lifted. In early 2021, she stepped onto the set to bring her character to life, surrounded by a supportive cast and crew. Reflecting on her time on set, Andrea cherishes the memories of camaraderie and growth, captured in the snapshots from her days of filming. Her journey culminated in the release of the film, marking a significant milestone in her career. Notably, her performance garnered acclaim, earning her the prestigious Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut—a moment of immense pride for Andrea.
Looking ahead, Andrea remains committed to her education, currently pursuing a degree in English literature—an endeavour that reflects her enduring passion for learning. Simultaneously, she has expanded her horizons by signing with modelling agencies across the globe, from New York to Tokyo, setting the stage for exciting opportunities and new adventures on the horizon. With optimism and determination, Andrea eagerly anticipates the journey ahead, poised to embrace whatever the future holds.
As someone who has experience in both modelling and acting, you’ve undoubtedly experienced the unique rewards and challenges of each profession. Given your upcoming projects, I’m curious, if you were to choose between focusing more on modelling or acting, which role resonates with you more at this stage of your career?
Andrea reflects on her career trajectory, expressing a preference for modelling, a field she has dedicated herself to for an extended period. While her acting experience was fulfilling, she sees herself continuing to balance modelling with her educational pursuits. While acting may not currently be her main focus, Andrea remains open to future opportunities, emphasizing that if a script resonates with her, she would gladly explore it.
When considering the realms of modelling and the fashion industry alongside your acting endeavours, I’m intrigued by the individuals who have left a lasting impression on you. Specifically, within the modelling sphere, could you share who has been your greatest source of inspiration and elaborate on the reasons behind their influence on your journey?
Reflecting on her entry into the industry, Andrea recalls the limited representation of models from her region. However, she draws inspiration from notable figures such as Thounaojam Strela Luwang, Kensei, and Linlaishram from Manipur, as well as Carol Hamtsoe from Nagaland. These individuals, with their presence in the fashion world, played a significant role in normalizing the presence of north-eastern faces in the industry. Their achievements served as a source of empowerment for Andrea, instilling in her a sense of encouragement and determination as she embarked on her own modelling journey.
As a model, what key skills do you believe are essential for excelling in the industry?
Andrea emphasizes the importance of patience as a fundamental skill for success in modelling, noting the significant amount of waiting involved on set. Additionally, she emphasizes the value of kindness towards everyone involved in a shoot, from assistants to fellow models. Reflecting on her own journey, Andrea recalls feeling like a novice initially, lacking confidence and familiarity with posing in front of the camera. However, with time and experience, she found herself growing more comfortable and confident, highlighting self-assurance as the most crucial skill for aspiring models to cultivate.
From your extensive experience in the world of modelling and fashion shows, could you share which event stands out to you as the most memorable thus far?
Andrea fondly recalls her inaugural international modelling venture to Tokyo, which marked a significant milestone in her career. Securing a remarkable campaign opportunity, she embarked on a memorable shoot on a neighbouring island near Japan. This experience held particular significance for Andrea, as it had been a long-standing aspiration since the outset of her career, making it her most cherished and unforgettable memory in the modelling world.
When engaging with individuals in Japan, how do they typically perceive your cultural identity—do they view you more as Indian or as Japanese?
Andrea finds that people in Japan generally assume she is Japanese, often initiating conversations with her in Japanese. However, she encounters challenges due to the language barrier, as English is not commonly spoken. Navigating daily interactions becomes a unique experience, as she must frequently clarify that she does not speak Japanese when entering stores or engaging with locals. Despite the language difficulties, Andrea reflects on her time in Japan as an intriguing and memorable experience.
Did you undertake your venture in Japan independently, or were you accompanied by colleagues or assistants to support you throughout the experience?
In Andrea’s experience, modelling often entails a sense of solitude, characterized by constant movement and fleeting connections. She navigated her venture to Japan alone, a common occurrence in the transient nature of her profession. However, her time abroad was unexpectedly cut short due to a nomination for Best Female Debut at the Zee Cine Awards, necessitating her swift return. The abrupt departure meant she couldn’t bid farewell to newfound acquaintances—a bittersweet reminder of the transient nature inherent in the modelling industry. Andrea reflects on these experiences as an inevitable aspect of her chosen career path, requiring acceptance and adaptability.
For those of us not intimately involved in the modelling or fashion industry, it’s intriguing to learn more about the roles models fulfil in a fashion show. Could you provide insight into the various aspects of a model’s participation, shedding light on their significance and the demands of their role?
Andrea provides insights into the process of being booked for modelling jobs, noting that she typically leaves the bookings to her manager. She highlights the demanding nature of modelling, where models often work long hours without breaks while others on set may take intermittent rests. Despite the rewarding experiences, there are occasions where the conditions can be challenging, such as inadequate breaks or meals. On a typical day, Andrea undergoes makeup application and dons various outfits, often Indian wear in India, tailored to her size and preferences. She acknowledges the commercial nature of some jobs compared to the more creative and artistic space of magazine shoots, which she finds more enjoyable. Andrea reflects on the demanding nature of the industry, where maintaining a constant aesthetic appeal can be exhausting, yet an accepted reality of the profession.
Could you elucidate the distinctions between the film industry and the modelling world for those less familiar with both realms?
From her limited experience in the film industry, Andrea reflects on the importance of patience in this realm. She notes that, similar to modelling, there is a significant amount of waiting involved, and delivering a specific emotion in each shot can be challenging. Andrea acknowledges that despite giving her best effort, sometimes shots need to be repeated due to technical issues or other factors beyond her control. Patience, she concludes, is a key attribute required for success in the film industry.
As a fashion model, what do you consider to be the most prevalent myth or misconception about the fashion industry, from your perspective and experience?
Andrea identifies a common misconception in the fashion industry—the belief that models get to keep the clothes they wear. She clarifies that this rarely occurs unless a designer chooses to gift an item as a gesture of goodwill. Due to the high value of the garments and accessories, it’s not standard practice for models to take them home after a shoot or show.
Bringing the focus closer to home, considering the fashion-conscious nature of Naga youth, what are the prospects for aspiring individuals to break into the industry? In your opinion, is it feasible for any young person to achieve success similar to yours, or what factors influence their chances of getting noticed?
Andrea acknowledges the abundance of remarkable talent among the youth in her home of Nagaland. She highlights a common struggle faced by aspiring models—height requirements, which can be challenging due to genetic factors. However, she notes a positive shift in the industry towards greater inclusivity, embracing diversity in height, skin tone, and body size. Andrea reflects on the timing of her entry into modelling, recognizing that the industry was just beginning to embrace diversity when she started her career. Offering advice to aspiring models, Andrea emphasizes the importance of self-assurance and confidence, urging them to trust in their abilities and take risks. Reflecting on her own journey, she acknowledges moments of uncertainty but underscores the significance of self-belief and resilience in navigating the unpredictable nature of the industry.
As an indigenous person representing India internationally, do you believe your unique profile offers more opportunities in the fashion industry, given the country’s rich diversity? Considering India’s diverse cultural landscape, do you perceive potential avenues for young individuals aspiring to enter the fashion industry?
Andrea views the fashion industry as an exceptional platform to showcase the diversity of India, both domestically and internationally. She believes that many people, even within India, may not fully grasp the extent of the country’s diverse cultures and faces. Therefore, Andrea sees the fashion industry as an effective means of reaching a broad audience and highlighting India’s rich tapestry of identities. Encouraging aspiring individuals, Andrea emphasizes the ample opportunities for growth within the industry, particularly for those interested in exploring it. She notes the welcoming nature of international markets towards diverse faces and backgrounds, underscoring the potential for individuals to thrive abroad. Andrea expresses her enthusiasm for discussing topics closer to home, reflecting on the significance of local context within the conversation.
In your opinion, what are the advantages and disadvantages of the prevalence of second-hand clothing in local markets, especially concerning the fashion choices and styling preferences of young people?
Andrea sees the value in reusing and upcycling clothes, viewing it as a sustainable approach to fashion. She appreciates the availability of thrift stores and online platforms like Instagram, which make clothing accessible to people across the country. However, Andrea also recognizes the downsides of this trend. She believes that reselling second-hand clothes at inflated prices can disadvantage those who rely on affordable options, such as shopping at malls or stores. Andrea finds this practice unethical, especially when sellers exploit the limited options of marginalized groups by significantly marking up prices. Despite these concerns, Andrea supports initiatives that make fashion more inclusive and accessible to everyone.
What advice or guidance would you offer to young individuals aspiring to pursue a career in modelling?
Andrea humbly believes she may not be the most qualified to offer advice, but she shares insights she wishes she had received earlier in her career. Her foremost counsel is to cultivate self-assurance and confidence, urging aspiring models to embrace opportunities wholeheartedly and give their best effort in everything they do. She emphasizes the importance of disregarding negative opinions and distinguishing constructive criticism from unwarranted negativity. Acknowledging the competitive and often solitary nature of the modelling industry, Andrea highlights the significance of building a robust support network. While friendships in the industry may sometimes feel transient, she emphasizes the value of genuine connections with fellow models. Andrea acknowledges the vulnerability that comes with being in the public eye and stresses the need to develop resilience against criticism. Ultimately, Andrea underscores the importance of self-assurance, a solid support system, and resilience in navigating the challenges of the modelling world. She believes that with these qualities, aspiring models can thrive despite the competitive and sometimes harsh nature of the industry.
About the Speaker
Carol Andrea Kevichüsa
Carol Andrea Kevichüsa, hailing from Nagaland, India, is a multifaceted talent shining in the realms of modelling and acting. Beginning her journey at the tender age of 15 when she was scouted by her agency, Andrea swiftly rose to prominence in the world of fashion. Her striking presence and effortless grace have graced the runways for esteemed designers like Sabyasachi Mukherjee, while her captivating visage has adorned the pages of prestigious publications such as Vogue India, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, Femina, Grazia, and Filmfare. In 2022, Andrea made a dazzling debut in the world of cinema with her role in Anek marking her entry into acting with an impactful performance that garnered her the coveted Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut. Her talent transcends boundaries, as evidenced by her collaboration with renowned brands like Katrina Kaif’s Kay Beauty, where she lent her enchanting allure to their campaigns. With her magnetic presence and undeniable talent, Andrea Kevichüsa continues to captivate hearts and inspire audiences, carving a path of success and excellence in both the fashion and film industries.
