Words by Imala

Sitting in-front of the TV many of us may have come across different types of shows that intrigues us. And whilst doing so, many would have desired to pursue different career paths. As such show is the Top Model series which has aspired a lot of youngsters all over the world to choose career paths in fashion and modeling.

After getting the licensing from the Top Model franchise in 2018, Top Model Maldives was launched in 2018 by He N She founded by Haneefa Hilmy. Since then, there is no looking back. Haneefa had undoubtedly played a major role in establishing the fashion world in Maldives. After a successful three consecutive years of the show, He N She is getting ready to host Top Model Maldives 2021.

It could be said that this platform is something that Maldives has never seen before with so many opportunities and learning experiences for the contestants. It is a pathway to those who has dreamt of fashion and modeling.

Three winners are chosen from the TMM show. The title Top Model of Maldives, First RunnerUp and Second RunnerUp. Top Model of Maldives gets torepresent Maldives in the Top Model of the World and the First RunnerUp gets to represent Maldives in the Miss Intercontinental Pageant. Without a doubt it is a lifetime opportunity to represent your country internationally.

As the casting for Top Model Maldives 2021 starts, the number of contestants in attendance shows how much this industry is expanding in the Maldivian community. It is huge accomplishment considering that fashion and modeling were non existent back in the days. Furthermore, the past title winners of TMM took part to engage with the contestants at the casting.

To start off, Mr Ablow who is a trainer of the show gave a brief introduction to the contestants on what the show is about and what is expected. “This is a journey that provides a lot of opportunities to accomplish your dreams. It is all in your mindset on how you want to achieve it. In this journey you will be learning a lot of new things about modeling, lifestyle and how you perceive yourself to the public. As you can see, the contestants and winners of the previous shows are busy doing their own different things successfully. What it takes to be there is discipline, commitment and punctuality. If you want to achieve something you have to sacrifice somethings in-order toachieve it. So, I wish you all the very best and let me tell you that it is not going to be easy.” Ablow ended.

To ease up the nerves of the contestants, Bunaanath stepped up to the mike and shared her experience on the TMM platform.” Hi guys. My name is Bunaanath and I am the first RunnerUp of Top Model Maldives 2018 and Miss Intercontinental Maldives 2018. I started my modeling career with TMM in 2018. It was my very first platform to start modeling. Can actually say that it was the first time I even took a picture as a model. On the first day itself I was very nervous but feeling confident. I learnt so many things through this platform like walking and how to represent myself. After winning this, I went to Miss Intercontinental pageant which was an entirely different platform than the one we had.” She said with a laugh.

Next, Miss Intercontinental Maldives 2020 spoke to the contestants. She started as “I am Alhan, and I just want to say that I know how you guys are feeling right now because I was in that exact seat one year ago. I was very nervous. And I was a very shy girl who doesn’t talk much. I would say that I am where I am with the help of the trainers who helped me immensely throughout this journey. Since the first day my confidence level has grown so much. In a small country like Maldives, this isan amazing opportunity to get. I faced a lot of challenges at the Miss Intercontinental Pageant but I didn’t let anything get to me because I was there to represent Maldives and that is exactly what I did. People are going to judge and pass negative comments but don’t let it get to you and just focus on doing what you have to do. Also, don’t forget to have fun and good luck.”

Haneefa also made an appearance which hyped up everyone present. The love for the individual who made this platform possible was apparent from their faces. Hence, she spoke a few words of encouragement to the attendees. “Modeling is not only just walking down a ramp or a pretty face. It is about having confidence and showing your capabilities in whichever fields you have talent in. We are working towards in giving many more opportunities to our shows winners because we do not want them to participate in beauty pageants only. Thank you very much for coming to Top Model and let’s see what’s in store for us this year.” She concluded with a huge smile.

When the rest of the previous contestants spoke it was evident that it is a platform that treats each and everyone as a family that can count on anyone amongst them. As the casting wore on, contestantswere given questions that they had to answer one by one. Now that the show casting has started it is going to be a show that would be filled with anticipation and suspense till the end.