Figuring Fashion Podcast

Model Life Is Not What You Think: Rejection, Fake Promises& Influencer Pressure|Niharika Sood|FF25

In this episode of Figuring Fashion Podcast, Host Arvind Karthik sits down with Niharika Sood a prominent model, Miss Universe Telangana, fashion influencer, and emerging voice in India’s fashion creator space to uncover the real side of modelling, pageantry, fashion events, brand collaborations, and content creation. ✨ What you’ll discover in this episode:🎭 From academics to modelling — how Niharika transitioned from a regular career path to pursuing modelling full-time.💼 Quitting a 9–5 for modelling — when aspiring models should take the leap, how much money to save, and why modelling is unpredictable.🎤 Her TEDx mindset — when to say “yes” even when it’s uncomfortable, and when saying “no” protects your career.💰 Seeing yourself as a business — what models need to save for, invest in, and understand before entering the industry.👑 Reality of pageantry — the mental pressure, financial strain, sponsorship struggles, and what pageant training actually teaches you.🏆 Life after winning a pageant — why winning Miss Universe/Miss India-style platforms is only the beginning, not the finish line.🎬 Acting & the darker side of the industry — Niharika opens up about her experiences and the realities people rarely talk about.🚩 Agencies, contracts & red flags — model management agencies, influencer agencies, shady NDAs, exclusive contracts, and clauses young models must watch out for.📱 Model vs influencer — how Niharika transitioned into content creation and why being yourself online is a real advantage.⚡ Life of a fashion influencer — working 24/7, creating content instantly, attending designer runway shows, and building a personal brand.🤝 Brands, metrics & authenticity — view expectations, usage rights, endorsing products you don’t use, and how to stay authentic as a creator.💸 Payment delays & exploitation — how models and content creators can protect themselves from brands and overly smart agencies.🧠 Handling rejection & criticism — why you shouldn’t take rejection personally, and how to survive in modelling, pageantry, and influencer culture.💡 If you’re an aspiring model, pageant contestant, fashion influencer, content creator, or someone curious about the real life behind Miss Universe, Miss India, fashion events, brand collaborations, and the modelling industry in India, this episode gives you the honest truth behind the glamour. TIMECODES (00:00) Intro(03:09) Why She Left a Stable Career for an Unpredictable One(04:42) Why Modelling's Glamour Is A Lie(05:36) The TEDx Talk That Came From Her Own Struggle(07:24) What Models Actually Need to Invest In(09:30) Modelling Is Not Just About Looks !(10:23) What Pageantry Really Takes From You(13:48) What They Actually Train You For In Pageants(16:51) Winning The Crown Doesn't Guarantee Fame !(18:43) Why She Walked Away From Acting(20:28) How Casting Directors Trap Young Aspiring Girls !(23:38) Red Flags Before You Sign With An Agency(26:00) How Contracts Can Save Or Destroy A Model's Career(30:48) Why She Chose Content Over Modelling(32:29) Left 9 to 5. Now Working 24/7 !(35:32) Are Influencers Replacing Actors In Brand Deals ?(37:03) The Views Pressure Brands Put On Creators(38:35) Fake Endorsements - Where Do You Draw The Line ?(43:00) How To Stay Relevant Without Losing Yourself(49:26) Agencies Exploiting Models On Usage Rights !(51:14) Portfolio or Content Creation - Where Should You Invest ?(52:47) Fashion Critics Who Can't Dress Themselves(55:59) Rejection Is A Model's Everyday Reality(58:22) Question From Previous Guest (59:39) End Of Podcast

Why Actors Secretly Struggle With Mental Health !? | Shrisha | FF24

In this episode of Figuring Fashion Podcast, Host Arvind Karthik sits down Shrisha who is a rising actor and model in the South Indian film industry, known for her work in films and high-profile brand campaigns. On this episode of Figuring Fashion, she shares the real side of modelling & acting — beyond the glamour. 🎬 🎙️ What You’ll Discover in This Episode: 🎭 Modelling & Acting as an Offbeat Career • How Shrisha accidentally entered modelling and built her space in the industry 👗 Fashion Industry Reality Check • Why designer outfits don’t fit all body types • The irony between runway fashion and real customers ⚖️ Modelling vs Acting • Key differences between both industries • Why actors often feel insecure — and how to deal with it 🧠 Detachment in Creative Careers • Why emotional detachment is crucial for actors & models • Protecting your mental health in a high-pressure industry 💔 Body Image & Industry Pressure • Real experiences with body comments (including insights from actors like Gowri Kishan) • Unrealistic beauty standards in the industry 🎬 Learning from Legends • Insights from Sridevi’s acting approach • Method acting vs switch-on/switch-off acting 🚫 Handling Rejection in Acting • What rejection really looks like in cinema • Advice that helped Shrisha stay grounded 💼 Independence & Career Growth • Building a career without depending on external validation 🎥 Preparing for Roles • Behind-the-scenes of her projects like Suzhal 2 & Irai 🧠 Therapy & Mental Health in Cinema • Why therapy and strong friendships matter in creative industries 🏏 Working with Mahendra Singh Dhoni • Her experience working with one of India’s biggest icons • What she learned from his personality on set 🎭 Typecasting in the Film Industry • Why actors get stuck in certain roles • How to break out and reinvent yourself 🌍 Industry Bias & Preferences • Why certain looks and backgrounds are preferred • Challenges faced by South Indian actors & models 🎯 Who Should Watch This:• Aspiring actors & models• Anyone trying to break into the film or fashion industry• Creatives struggling with rejection, insecurity, or self-doubt• People curious about the real behind-the-scenes of cinema & modelling ✨ This episode gives you a ground-level view of the entertainment industry — from rejection and pressure to growth and self-awareness. If you’re serious about building a career in acting or modelling, this is a must-watch. Timecodes   (00:00) Intro (02:46) Shrisha's Journey & Problems Models Face (08:13) Designer Outfit's Wont Fit All Models ! (11:15) Why Actors are Insecure ! (16:29) Modelling vs Acting - Which is easier route ? (17:43) Actors' Mental Health Problems (23:48) Bodyweight Comments ! (25:54) What Men Go Through & Male Actors' Demands ! (31:22) Learnings from her Aunt - Actress Sridevi (34:35) Handling Rejections as an Actor (39:27) Janhvi's Struggle & being independent (42:26) Challenges in being Versatile Actor (50:44) Why Everyone Needs Therapy ! (54:09) Working with Thala Dhoni (57:36) Why actors are Typecasted (59:35) Question from Previous Guest (01:01:15) Bloopers 😛 (01:36:28) End of Podcast

Celebrity Dentist Reveals The Secret To A Confident Smile & Mistakes | Dr.Preethi Udhayaraja | FF23

In this episode of Figuring Fashion Podcast, Host Arvind Karthik sits down Dr. Preethi Udayarajya who is an esteemed Orthodontist & Smile Designer with 15+ years of experience, known for transforming smiles and boosting confidence through advanced Aesthetic Dentistry. She is also a Diamond Plus Invisalign Provider, trusted for helping patients achieve beautiful, natural-looking smiles through modern orthodontic treatments.In this episode, we discuss:🦷 Why Aesthetic Dentistry Matters • Dr. Preethi’s journey into orthodontics and her mission to improve confidence through smile correction😁 Smile Correction Is for Everyone • Why today many individuals — not just celebrities — are correcting their smiles💰 Cost of Aesthetic Dentistry • Why dental treatments like Invisalign and veneers are more affordable in India compared to many countries✨ Invisalign vs Veneers vs Dental Implants • Differences between the most popular smile correction treatments💍 Smile Correction Timeline • How long it takes to fix teeth for weddings, interviews, or careers in public-facing industries🎨 Science of Smile Designing • How dentists design the perfect smile based on face shape, teeth structure, and personality🌟 Celebrity Smile Transformations • Dental procedures done by celebrities like Ana de Armas, Ben Affleck, Dakota Johnson, Akshay Kumar, Kriti Sanon, Samantha, and Deepika Padukone✨ Teeth Whitening • What works, what doesn’t, and how to safely whiten your teeth🪥 Luxury Toothpaste vs Regular Toothpaste • Are premium brands like Marvis really better?⚠️ Fluoride, SLS & Parabens • Are these ingredients safe in toothpaste and oral care products?🦠 Oral Microbiome & Oral Health • Why maintaining healthy bacteria in your mouth is essential🪥 Electric vs Manual Toothbrush • Which one dentists actually recommend😁 Front Tooth Gap & Smile Aesthetics • Why people choose to correct tooth gaps💧 Mouthwash & Daily Oral Hygiene • How mouthwash fits into proper dental care🍭 Foods That Damage Teeth • Common foods that negatively affect oral health👩‍⚕️ Orthodontist vs Dentist • Understanding the difference and when to see each specialist🦷 Local Aligners vs International Aligners • What works best when choosing clear aligners❤️ Dr. Preethi’s Personal Journey • Emotional stories behind transforming patients’ smilesAnd also about Smile Designing, Invisalign, Dental Veneers, Teeth Whitening, Oral Health, and Cosmetic Dentistry...helping you understand how smile correction can enhance both confidence and facial aesthetic✨ This episode is perfect for: • People considering Invisalign or clear aligners • Anyone interested in Smile Designing or veneers • Individuals looking to whiten teeth or improve their smile • Models, actors, professionals, brides & grooms preparing for important events • Anyone curious about oral hygiene, dental health, and cosmetic dentistryA great smile can transform your confidence, appearance, and self-image and this conversation explains exactly how. 😁✨Timecodes (00:00) Intro (02:41) Importance of Correcting Teeth(03:57) Smile Correction Only For Celebs? (05:52) Types of Treatments to Correct Your Teeth(09:12) Should Everyone Correct Their Teeth(11:17) Timeline to Get a Perfect Smile (12:21) Are Dental Veneers Reversible ?(14:11) Principles to get Perfect Smile (16:38) What goes into making Celebs Smile Perfect ?(17:55) Perfect Way To Whiten Your Teeth (19:20) Luxury Toothpaste vs Everyday Toothpastes(20:20) Fluoride in Toothpaste, Good or Bad?(22:41) Oral Microbiome & Effective Way to Brush(25:02) Front Tooth Gap & it's Aesthetics(26:53) Oral Hygiene Myths !(28:41) Most Expensive Dental Procedure (30:37) Indian Aligners brands vs US based Aligners (32:01) Emotional Reaction From People When Their Teeth Is Fixed !(33:37) Dr.Preethi's Journey (34:40) End of Podcast

The Truth About Fashion Education & Why New Designers Struggle ! | Fareeda Khan | FF22

In this episode of Figuring Fashion Podcast, Host Arvind Karthik sits down with Fareeda Khan — Founder & Director of FIDA – The Design School (associated with New York Institute of Fashion – NIF Global, Medhavi University & London School of Trends), award-winning fashion educator, interior designer, and global mentor — shares powerful insights for aspiring fashion students, young designers, and creative entrepreneurs. ✨In this episode, we discuss:🎓 Fareeda’s journey from interior designer to leading fashion educator 💼 Why many fashion students are not industry-ready after graduation ⚖️ Entitlement vs apprenticeship mindset in young designers 📚 Is formal fashion education still important in the age of self-taught designers? 🔮 Can you build a stable 5–10 year career in the fashion industry? 💰 Is fashion an expensive course? Private vs government fashion institutes 🚀 Why designers must learn the entrepreneurial side of fashion 👩‍💼 Women entrepreneurship, financial freedom & limitations faced by women leaders 🌍 How international travel shaped her global design perspective 🇮🇳 Indian designers vs Western designers — global perception & inspiration 👗 What it takes to showcase at major platforms like Lakme Fashion Week ♻️ Sustainable fashion & how conscious today’s design students really are 🏡 The bridge between fashion design and interior design 📈 Placement opportunities & career pathways for fashion students ❌ Common mistakes young designers make early in their careers 💡 Fareeda Khan’s philosophy on empowering creatives to build financially independent careersIf you’re choosing a fashion school, planning to study fashion design, entering the fashion industry, or trying to understand the real challenges young designers face, this episode offers clarity, direction, and practical industry advice. Timecodes (00:00) Intro(02:31) Fareeda's Expertise (03:34) Why top designer's refuse to pay freshers !(06:40) Why Study Fashion when self taught designers succeed?(09:06) Unemployment in fashion field ?(11:31) Is Fashion education only for the rich?(12:50) Private Fashion Institutes Vs Government Institutes / Universities (15:00) The ONE Skill Students/ Graduates Lack !(17:47) Why Women Excel in Fashion !(19:14) Opportunities for Women Entrepreneurs (23:16) How travel can shape your view on fashion ?(25:40) The ONE thing Indian Designers have to learn !(31:08) Western Designers/Brands copying India !(32:43) Do this to showcase at Lakme Fashion Week !(36:35) Why Students Should Understand Sustainable Fashion?(39:53) Real Advice for Fashion Students/ Designers(42:48) What Fashion Industry Demands from Students ?(44:10) Is AI boon or bane for fashion?(45:48) Trends that are having impact in the industry(47:43) Should Fashion have an entrance exam ?(49:41) What job awaits Fashion & Interior Students(51:13) Philosophy of Fareeda Khan(51:46) Questions from Previous Guest(53:00) End of podcast

Photographers: Stop Doing These Painful Mistakes ⚠️ | FF21 | Shreyans Dungarwal

In this episode of Figuring Fashion Podcast, Host Arvind Karthik sits down with Shreyans Dungarwal who is one of India’s leading fashion photographers known for working with top celebrities like Tamannaah Bhatia, Aditi Rao Hydari, Rashmika Mandanna, Rashi Khanna, Niddhi Aggarwal, Arman Malik, Nora Fatehi, Malaika Arora, Arjun Kapoor, and Miss India winners including Harnaaz Sandhu & Manasa Varanasi 📸  Shreyans is also a Sony Artisan , Profoto Mentor and Vivo India Vivographer..Here he talks about ✨ How Shreyans transitioned from wedding photography to high-end fashion photography, and the mindset shift required to break into the fashion industry 🏙️ What Mumbai teaches you as a photographer, and how working in Mumbai differs from other cities in terms of competition, clients, and growth 🌍 Working abroad vs India — why international clients pay for even small changes and what Indian photographers can learn from that culture 📂 Photography rights, copyrights, RAW files, file sizes, and whether you should ever let someone else make money from your work 💼 Client realities — dealing with difference of opinions, equipment questions, missing pre-production costs, and how to make clients come back to you 📱 How Instagram & social media are shifting focus from craftsmanship to volume, and why having a strong website, clean colour tones, and clear categories still matters 🤖 The rise of AI, mobile photography, and content creators — how photographers can turn AI into an advantage instead of a threat 💡 Honest talk about pricing mistakes, undercharging the industry, celebrity shoots, unpaid work, and using free shoots strategically 🎥 Why today’s photographers must understand both photo and video, DIY lighting, film photography, collaborations, and constantly working on themselves 🔥 If you’re into fashion photography, photography mistakes, client management, pricing, AI in photography, or understanding the real business side of being a photographer in today’s world, this episode is a must-watch. Timecodes (00:00) Intro (02:49) Transitioning into Fashion Photographer (06:24) Working in Mumbai vs other cities (08:49) Working in USA vs India (how clients behave!) (10:41) Photographers learn about COPYRIGHTS ! (14:00) Should you give RAW FILES to clients? (18:42) Difference of opinion b/w client & photographer (20:52) Has Instagram Ruined Photography ? (24:49) Should photographers become content creators ? (29:47) Are All Photographers Rich ? (33:00) What if photographers are not required in future? (34:37) Turn AI to your Advantage? (37:57) Photographers charging way below industry standards! (39:58) Why some celebs wont pay &how to make use of it ! (46:00) Learn / Teach Posing as a Photographer ! (48:45) What DIY can teach you ? (52:55) Collaboration vs Getting Paid (55:41) Shooting Analogue (57:37) End of Podcast