A Delhi-born hairstylist who once styled models backstage in Bhubaneswar is now walking the ramp himself, turning rejection into resolve and a dream into a career.
The Dream That Began Backstage
Md Amil’s modelling journey began not in front of the camera but behind the chair. Working as a hairstylist, he attended runway shows to style models’ hair, and while watching them walk the ramp, he imagined himself doing the same one day. Compliments on his looks and personality from the people around him slowly turned that daydream into a goal, and he decided to take modelling seriously as a career.
A Father’s Blessing
Originally from Delhi, Amil spoke to his father about his ambition before taking the plunge. The response was warm and unambiguous: if this is what he truly wanted, he had his father’s full freedom and support. Amil says that conversation gave him the confidence he needed, and that while he knew he had to believe in himself, having his father’s backing made the decision far easier.
The First Break
His first opportunity came through a friend, influencer Sweta Mohanty, who encouraged him and pointed him to a Diwali advertisement shoot with Utkal Builders. Amil admits he was nervous, with no prior experience, and told the team so upfront. They needed a model urgently and gave him the chance anyway. That first shoot, he says, was the starting point that opened the door to the modelling industry.
Walking at Bhubaneswar Times Fashion Week
Walking at Bhubaneswar Times Fashion Week was, in Amil’s words, an exciting and proud moment, especially for someone who had once watched the ramp from backstage. He walked for designers and brands including Bhusra Jamal, Zuby Designer House, Trends, ORMS, Killer Jeans for Dopamine and Raajdeep Ranawat. The experience, he says, deepened his belief in his journey and motivated him to aim higher.
Learning from the Senior Names
With around six to seven runway shows behind him, Amil counts Bhubaneswar Runway Week and Bhubaneswar Times Fashion Week as the most memorable and challenging. Sharing the stage with senior, experienced models taught him about the professional life of a model, and watching their walks, expressions and presentation showed him where to improve. Backstage was hectic, with back-to-back sequences and barely any time for costume changes, but he says that energy is what makes runway shows so exciting.
Beyond the Ramp
Amil’s work is not limited to the runway. He has shot for clothing brands, including a street-style shoot with Trends and a campaign with OPPO, and wants to explore more fashion shoots, editorials and brand campaigns to build his versatility. When choosing projects, he weighs the creative concept, the brand, the professionalism of the team and the chance to grow his portfolio, believing every project teaches something different.
Always Ready, Always Prepared
Amil has learned that a model must always be ready, as the industry has its ups and downs and some runway shows are confirmed just a day or two in advance. He therefore focuses consistently on fitness, skincare and, above all, diet, with regular strength training, cardio and runway walk practice to stay fit and confident for whatever comes his way.
Balancing Two Careers and Learning from Rejection
His biggest challenge is balancing his salon job with his passion for modelling. Weekends are the busiest time for salon clients and targets, yet most runway shows also happen on weekends. He is grateful to his supportive managers, who allow him time off for modelling assignments, though it can sometimes affect his work targets. Rejection has also shaped him. He was once selected for Calcutta Times but didn’t make it because his runway walk needed improvement. Upset at first, he chose to work harder on his walk instead of giving up. When he was later selected for Bhubaneswar Times Fashion Week, it felt like a personal victory. That experience taught him that rejection is not the end but a signal of where to improve.
Inspiration Without Imitation
Amil doesn’t have a single role model. He believes every model brings unique qualities, whether it’s their walk, confidence, expressions or presentation, and he observes different models closely to learn from their strengths. When he admires a quality, he practises it and adapts it to his own personality rather than copying anyone. Inspiration matters, he says, but every model must develop an identity of their own.
The Next Five Years
Looking ahead, Amil sees himself as a successful and versatile model who walks for well-known designers at major fashion weeks, works with established brands and explores editorial and international modelling. His double life as a hairstylist and model has taught him discipline, patience and the value of hard work. His aim, he says, is not just success but a strong identity built on work, personality and consistency.
Why Choose Him
Asked what sets him apart, Amil points to his mix of confidence, dedication, creativity and willingness to learn. He believes success is not only about looks but also about discipline, hard work and how one carries oneself, and his background as a hairstylist gives him a different perspective on fashion, styling and presentation. He knows he still has a lot to learn, but says he is confident in his potential, open to feedback and ready to give his best to every opportunity.
