Modelling tougher than netball!
Living her dream: Shalika (On the ramp) and above
Shalika Erangani can simply be described as a head turner. Be it her long straight hair, bronzed complexion or her unusual height of 6’3”, she is sure to make any casual bystander do a double take as she walks by. A national netball player, Shalika seems to embody all that sport at that level demands in terms of fitness and physique. But now this 23- year-old is looking beyond the court- aiming high not just in netball but also in the fashion stakes.
This week as Colombo fashionistas focus their gaze on the ramp as the HSBC Colombo Fashion Week 2014 unfolds, look out for Shalika. This multi-talented young lady will be exchanging her sneakers for a pair of three inch heels and taking to the ramp as confidently as she shoots hoops.
A student of Visakha Madyama Maha Vidyalaya, Bandarawela, Shalika grew up playing sports. While she was discovered to be a budding netball star little did anyone realize what was really going on in young Shalika’s mind. “I loved to watch fashion shows on TV,” she admits, recalling the pictures of models in magazines which always caught her interest. Wanting to one day live her dream, with the help of her very supportive parents Shalika made her debut as a model in 2012 as a participant in Brian Kerkoven’s International Best Female Model pageant. She also followed a one year course in modelling under former Miss Sri Lanka Rozanne Diasz.
Since then, Shalika has modelled for fashion shoots as well as in several other competitions. Her most recent appearance was last November at CFW’s Supermodel Sri Lanka; a nationwide attempt to boost the future of the modelling industry of Sri Lanka. Describing it as the biggest show she has taken part in so far she says it was a learning curve. “I just wanted the experience, regardless of whether I won or not,” she says.
The opportunity of working with models more experienced than herself itself helped Shalika. “I don’t have a specific role model,” she says. “I try to pick up tips from everyone I meet.” The seemingly glamorous life of a model isn’t without its own obstacles and stresses, as Shalika has discovered. “I used to think modelling was only about wearing makeup and walking around but in fact it is harder than playing netball,” she laughs.
Shalika isn’t a follower of a strict regimen other than regularly visiting the gym and eating healthy. Going back to last November’s Supermodel competition she recollects the lectures they received on nutrition and wellbeing along with the countless practices with modelling guru Prasad Bidapa from whom she learnt so much. A lot of practice and work goes into those important few minutes on the ramp which can either make or break a show. Describing the usual routine of a show day Shalika explains that a good deal of time is spent walking the ramp and getting used to the feel of it. The models usually do their make-up themselves while the actual show is stressful with its countless costume, hair and make-up changes all in a matter of minutes.
Walking the ramp with the grace of a dancer wearing 3 to 4 inch heels while the entire room has their eyes trained on your every move can be daunting, if not nerve wracking. The feeling for Shalika however is quite the opposite. “When I see people from where I am (on the ramp) I don’t feel scared. After all I am representing someone’s designs. I trust myself with what I do.”
Shalika’s balancing act extends beyond her role as a model. A member of the national netball team since 2007, she has represented the country in Britain, Scotland and more recently at the Nations Cup Tournament in Singapore. She works at the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment and says she receives help from her family, team-mates and colleagues when it comes to balancing shoots, practises and work..
Her height, towering above the average model, let alone Sri Lankan, has never bothered or embarrassed Shalika. “It is an advantage both in modelling and netball,” she smiles. And she is not the only sportswoman who has found herself featured in the sports section of the newspapers as well as in the fashion pages. “A friend of mine who is also a national basketball player is also in the modelling industry,” she says.
Where does she see herself in the next few years? Hopefully modelling abroad. “I’ve come so far because of my determination. I want to push myself and go places,” she says earnestly.
On the ramp at the Supermodel Sri Lanka contest in 2013 (third from right) with CFW founder Ajai Singh and modelling guru Prasad Bidapa. Pix by Indika Handuwala