Exploitation, underpayment, and silent suffering — India’s fashion models are finally speaking up about the industry’s hidden truths.
The Glamour Is a Lie, Say India’s Working Models
Behind the glitz of India’s fashion weeks lies a troubling reality: long hours, low pay, and zero respect. Indian models are no longer staying silent. A viral Instagram video by model Roshni Sharma has opened the floodgates on what many say is a toxic culture of exploitation.
“Pool models should earn ₹40,000/day with travel and stay. Stop accepting less. Know your worth,” Roshni wrote.
Her post sparked a wave of support and similar revelations from models across the country.
“12 Hours of Work, ₹6,000 Pay — Sometimes, Nothing”
Model Teajay Gil shared how even after nine years in the industry, exploitation is routine.
- Called at 9 AM, show at 9:30 PM — paid ₹6,000
- No reimbursement for travel
- Often not even fed on set
- Fittings done for free
“Directors boast to clients about how little they paid us. ₹6,000–₹7,000 is common for male models, but it should be ₹15,000–₹35,000 per day.”
“₹4 Lakh Commercial Offered for ₹35K!”
Teajay also revealed that middlemen pocket massive brand budgets. In one case:
- A commercial with a ₹4 lakh budget offered him ₹35,000
- Only after posting a screenshot did they offer ₹80,000
- Still way below what a global campaign should pay
“They shoot us backstage in full makeup and gear — it’s a full photo shoot, and we’re not paid.”
“Influencer Culture Is Killing Our Careers”
Model Shimei Nathan slammed the rise of “influencer modeling”:
“Anyone with a phone and followers is now a ‘model’. Brands exploit that to avoid paying us.”
She added:
- Agencies demand models grow their social presence
- Brands expect free work in exchange for “exposure”
- Models often must post branded content without compensation
“Models Are Treated Like Hangers”
Celebrity stylist Elton J Fernandez calls out the blatant dignity disparity in fashion:
- Models with 15–20 years’ experience are still mistreated
- Showstoppers (actors/influencers) get pampered, paid in lakhs
- Hair & makeup artists get just ₹4,000 per model — for both services
“The people creating the magic get crumbs. Everyone else profits.”
“Speak Up, And You’re Blacklisted”
Elton also highlights the culture of fear in fashion:
“Raise your voice, and you’re labeled ‘difficult’. You lose work.”
He calls today’s exploitation strategic, invisible, and harmful — not always sexual, but still oppressive.
“Budgets Are Down, So Is Dignity”
Actor and model Smaran Sahu said post-COVID budget cuts have deepened the crisis:
- Many models now earn half or a third of their previous rates
- Brands keep production running but slash talent pay
“When you underpay the face of your campaign, you devalue the whole industry.”
What Models Are Demanding:
The movement isn’t just about money — it’s about respect. Indian models are calling for:
- Minimum day rates (₹20K–₹50K for female models)
- Paid fittings
- Travel + meal reimbursements
- Social media usage rights — paid
- Transparent contracts
- Zero tolerance for industry blacklisting
Final Word: “A Viral Reel Won’t Feed You”
As Roshni Sharma summed it up:
“Don’t let the hype fool you. Ask for what you’re worth. A viral reel won’t put food on your plate.”
The question remains — will the Indian fashion industry finally walk the talk on fair pay and dignity?
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