Dhanya Ram Kumar is the 19-year-old daughter of Poornima (Dr Rajkumar’s daughter) and actor/producer Ram Kumar and is the latest entrant on the modelling scene in the city. This star daughter who is currently pursuing a media studies program at Jain College grabbed eyeballs with her first ever assignment as showstopper for jewellery brand Amrapali’s recent show. Professionally, it was the first time, she ever walked the ramp. “For an established face, becoming a showstopper is not a big deal, but for me it is extremely overwhelming and I felt honoured and happy to be at the centre stage and that too for such a big brand,” she says.
Dhanya always liked dressing up and anything to do with the fashion industry. “I have kept pace with the trends. But, somehow I felt, I wasn’t tall enough to be a model. But when I spoke to Prasad Bidappa, he said, that one needs to be tall only to walk the ramp. There are other options like television and print which could be a perfect medium for me. However, simultaneously, I also got an offer from Amrapali to be their show stopper and I immediately agreed as this was the perfect opportunity to start my modelling career,” she says.
Dhanya, who was part of the college fashion team would attend a number of fests from her college and she says that her grooming mostly happened during these college competitions. We were asked to look at some videos and learn how to pose. As I started to do more shows, I was able to get rid of the initial stage fear and take to the ramp with ease,” says Dhanya.
For this show Dhanya got tips from fashion guru Prasad Bidappa himself.
“Since it was my first show, Prasad said that I should just go out and be myself. He also mentioned that I have a pretty face for commercial ads, but I need to open up. I am a little shy and closed. But on the bigday, when I spoke at the event, Prasad was surprised with my confidence, which he didn’t expect after the very first ramp walk,” she says.
As far as taking her modelling career further goes, Dhanya seems to have set the ball rolling and has got her portfolio designed and will start circulating it soon. “I am in first year and I have my exams now and this is what I need to concentrate on. From the next semester onwards, I will be more active in the modelling world and hope to see my career take off,” she signs off.
Personal Style
As a college going girl, Dhanya's style statement is high on comfort and casual chic. She says, “I make sure that I always carry a perfume body mist, a sanitizer and wet wipes because it is really hot during the day in college. I apply a base foudation every day, but wet wipes help keeping the skin refreshed. Comfort is the key, but for me style is also about experimenting. I love neon colours and I incorporate them into my daily wear. Unlike other colleges, we are allowed to wear western clothes. I prefer wearing brightly coloured pants with a nice tee. I love mixing prints.” According to Dhanya, style is all about trying out different things. "Everyone should just let go of their fear and try new styles to see if they work for you,” she signs off.