“And one day she discovered that she is fierce, and strong and full of fire. And that not even she could hold herself back because her passion burned brighter than her fears”. These words by Mark Anthony take us to the inspiring story of 68 years old Gita Prakash who is breaking all the stereotypes related to age in the modelling industry. This doctor-cum-model is a happy-go-lucky person who accepts every opportunity that comes her way with a smile on her face.
Gita has worked for well-known designers like Tarun Tahiliani, Gaurav Gupta, Torani, Jaypore, and many more. Ironically, she never thought of doing modelling as she believed that she didn’t have what it takes to be a model but life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.
She is ‘Dr. Gita’ on weekdays and ‘Model Gita’ on weekends. Let’s hear the story of Ms Prakash in her own words.
1. Tell us something about yourself. What are you currently doing?
I am currently working as a General Physician at Max Multi Speciality Centre – Panchsheel Park. I also work with the Indian Institute of Mass Communication and the India International Centre. And of course, my biggest love is Modelling. I also run a charitable clinic at home from 5 PM to 7 PM.
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2. To say ‘Age is just a number’ and to do it practically are two different things. While you are making age look like just a number, how difficult has it been for you?
A lot of people ask me, ‘Are you doing modelling just because you are tired of medicine?’ Absolutely not! I love doing medicine; it is my first love but modelling to me is equally important as it is another facet of my life that I didn’t know would become so integral to me.
It hasn’t been that tough because I absolutely love what I do. God has always blessed me with opportunities that are worth giving a shot at. I must say that my family is also very supportive and they are proud of the fact that I am 68 years old and still doing a lot to keep myself happy and contented. They get very excited when they see me on billboards or in other advertisements. They keep sending me pictures.
On my 61st birthday, I got the best surprise of my life- My Picture on the Femina Magazine Cover. At that time, I didn’t even know what it meant to see yourself in print media but these milestones helped me understand that it is never too late to try different things.
3. Modelling in your life happened by chance. Do you wish to continue it?
I was happy with my job as a doctor but things happened when an Italian photographer visited my clinic for his treatment and asked me if I could model for him. I never knew this is going to take me to a world never explored before. A couple of months later, he asked for my pictures. My kids selected some regular photos and shared them with him. Two months later, he came to India and I shot for Tarun Tahiliani. I also worked with ‘Jaypore’ brand to model for their ‘kani shawls’ which were mostly worn by women of my age group. Many other opportunities followed.
I absolutely wish to continue this. I don’t say ‘No’ to anything if I know I will be able to do it. I always try to balance my job as a doctor with my passion for modelling. I have never missed out on giving consultations to my patients as my job is my first love. I do modelling on weekends and sign up for projects whenever I feel free.
4. As a source of inspiration for many, what would your advice be for other women? What keeps you motivated each day?
I always say that your career should be your foremost priority but you should also look for other opportunities which you can do apart from your career. If you find something extra to do, it adds fun to your life. Never miss an opportunity.
