Woman On Top

Her head is in her books. She loves animals. She debuted in the Bollywood movie Kapoor & Sons. Meet beauty with brains, Elena Fernandes, the model, born to a South American mother and an Indian father, who featured as a Kingfisher Calendar girl and bagged Asia’s Supermodel of the Year award.

- Mitali Goyal

An animal lover and a boring person is how Elena Fernandes would like to describe herself. With modelling never on her mind, it came up as a surprise for her when she was scouted, at a party. She climbed the ladder of success one step at a time and unfolded and realised that life is crazy and there is always a lot more that you could look forward to. She finds inspiration in every little thing that people do in order to change the world, which she herself strives to do one day. Currently, she is gearing up for a Bollywood project which is all set to release in the year 2019. Let us unfold what Elena brings in her treasure trove for us. Interview excerpts.

Tell us about yourself?

I am a very regular person who intents on changing the world. In addition to this, I love reading, watching documentaries, and have a very special place for animals in my heart. I believe there is nothing more unconditional than an animal’s love.

How did modelling happen to you?

I never knew anything about fashion and was a super geek. So, at first when I was scouted at a party, I was apprehensive. I was and still am a super geek; my head was always in a book and in strong academics. So, modelling was at the other end of the spectrum. It has been an incredible journey and it has given me the opportunity to travel the world and to make friends across the globe, experience different cultures, and discover the world.

Was it difficult to start a modelling career in India?

I was actually quite lucky. I immediately started working when I came to India. Back then, and even now; the industry has welcomed me with open arms. Apart from this, my agency had worked hard to promote me to ensure great visibility and success. Also, not many are aware that I am half-Indian so, to achieve success in my father’s homeland is an honour for me.