On the radar: Urvashi
We met Indian model Urvashi Umrao to talk about her best modelling job, how she finds balance and how her relationship with her home country has changed since she moved away.
Photography JC Verona
When were you discovered?
That was the summer of 2015. I had just joined college in Mumbai, India, and was hanging out during a college fest when I was spotted by my mother agent. I think I had gotten separated from my friends and was wandering around searching for them when I got approached. Didn’t even realise it was for actual modelling, I was just deeply flattered that someone wanted to take my picture, geeky and lanky that I was at that time. It was only when I got a call from them after a few weeks that I found out about modelling.
What was the best modelling experience so far?
My entire time in Tokyo which lasted the whole of 2020 counts as the best time. Japan surprisingly turned out to be the place where I felt accepted by the industry, where I was able to confidently wear sleeveless clothes and not feel disgustingly skinny or judged; the place which highly inspired me with its insane fashion and art (and second hand thrift stores). I honestly grew as a person there, learning to appreciate art and architecture, music and fashion in ways never before. Made some long lasting friendships, worked with really cool photographers and teams.
You are from a small community in India, how are you dealing with living internationally between big metropolises and going back to your roots?
Even though I was living the small town sheltered life as a child, I was exposed vividly to Western culture at a young age through the books I used to read. It genuinely (though secretly) made me long for that kind of life which seemed to offer a lot of freedom to (even) kids, more than I was used to. So melding into the international community when I started traveling for work came pretty naturally to me. Though it DID give me a thrill (and sometimes still does) doing things abroad that I dare not do back home: something as simple as holding hands with a boy or kissing someone on the cheek in a friendly way, or just taking a walk in the middle of night alone without feeling scared. Going back home becomes tough then, because it means doing things the old way and hiding a large part of your life from your family because they wouldn’t accept it. My solution is simply that I try not to linger at home for long.
You know how they say ‘distance makes the heart grow fonder’. I have developed a better appreciation for the finer points about my culture now that I no longer have to participate in it compulsorily. I tend to eat more Indian food and watch more Bollywood movies and listen to Hindi songs abroad, than I would do if I was in India. And I like this balance. It gives me the freedom I have always wanted to have while also making me feel appreciative about my culture and indulge in it whenever I miss it.
“Japan surprisingly turned out to be the place where I felt accepted by the industry, where I was able to confidently wear sleeveless clothes and not feel disgustingly skinny or judged.”
What is something you’ve always wanted to do/try?
I had this childhood dream of becoming a writer but as I grew up, I gave up on it. Now I have begun wondering again what would it be like if I actually managed to write a book!
Apart from that (and it might sound silly to some), I really want to make trips with my friends. Can you believe it if I tell you, old as I am, I have never actually travelled outside the city with my friends on overnight trips! From childhood till now, either our parents were too strict, or we were too broke, or we didn’t have the time, but we never managed to travel together (mostly the first two reasons). Really looking forward to finally getting to do it haha.
“You know how they say ‘distance makes the heart grow fonder’.”
What’s the most surprising thing about you?
Okay I had to think a lot about this. Considering I pride myself on my level of self awareness, this question actually stumped me! So I think my personality is very malleable and complementary. If the person opposite me is quiet and shy, I’m the one who takes the lead in being bold and asking questions and talking, if they have a loud energy, mine becomes a bit more subdued. My childhood friends never believe me when I tell them I’m shy, while some new people notice my shyness instantly. If someone talks more, I listen, if they talk less, I pick up the pace. I’m child-like while hanging out with older friends but more grown up while being with younger ones. I’m loud but also quiet. I’m warm but can come off quite cold at other times. Really secretive at most times but will blurt out my life history at others in some moments. I rarely have favourites in anything (be it food or music or books) but I have a favourite pair of socks. I haven’t decided yet if it’s a good or a bad thing. Right now it just is.
Fast round!
Describe yourself in 3 words
Self aware, child-like, good-humored
Are you superstitious?
I always touch wooden objects and say ‘touchwood’ whenever openly talking about something big or exciting that hasn’t happened yet. That’s the only one I follow.
Your perfect pet?
Most definitely a cat.
What or who would you take with you to a deserted island?
A whole stack of novels.
What’s your motto?
Going with the flow, vibing with the bros.
Any guilty pleasures?
Still watching (and rewatching) childhood cartoons and Tv Shows and reading fairy tales.
You never leave the house without___
A massive tote filled with essentials (a novel, skincare, my diary, meds, food etc etc). ‘Packing light’ is not in my vocabulary.
Next hairstyle?
Never had long hair in my life. Maybe this time I might grow it out (secretly imagining myself in a mullet).
Follow and find out more about Urvashi on Instagram
Special thanks to Titanium Management
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