Billboard appearances, glamorous spreads on magazines, strutting along the ramp with cameras flashing — the draw of the limelight in the modelling world can be highly lucrative, especially for those who love the attention, according to psychologist Kinjal Pandya.

However, the pressures of the industry sometimes prove to be too much for these young hopefuls to handle. Take Anjali Shrivastava, for instance. The 29-year-old Bhojpuri actress was found by her landlord on Monday after she had allegedly hanged herself. In the aftermath of her death, the pressures of living a life under the arclights has become a talking point once more.

Model Aanchal Kumar, for whom the ups and downs of the industry are old hat, says that it really depends on whether the individual has the strength of character to follow his or her dreams. “Yes, of course it’s a harsh industry and a lot depends on looks, so it seems vain. You are expected to look good all the time, even when you are doing back-to-back shoots and are dead on your feet. We don’t have a nine-to-five job. It’s all about the seasons. But, like I always tell myself, if you can make it through the peak season, then it’s not such a bad deal the rest of the year. Every industry comes with its set of pitfalls, these are the ones in modelling.”

Kinjal, however, believes that the issue at hand is emotional as well as stress-related. “When people come into the modelling industry, many are unprepared for the kind of commodification they face once there. Sometimes they feel like they are losing their dignity and essentially making money through their bodies. That feeling can get to be too much for them sometimes,” she elaborates.

Aanchal Kumar

Life coach Khyati Birla further expands upon the instinct to commit suicide, saying that it is often an impulse, rather than a cold-blooded plan. “I think suicide is an impulsive decision, not a well-planned thought. On the same note, if you do find yourself planning your suicide, you should definitely seek help — go and talk to someone. There is always someone you can turn to; family, friends, relatives, and even experts,” she says, adding that industries like hospitality are also hard on the psyche, since image is just as important there.

Kinjal says that it is essential that a family that it is not only supportive but also helps the aspiring model understand the pitfalls of the industry he or she is stepping into. “If one comes from a background where they have been mollycoddled, they may find themselves unprepared for the tough lives ahead of them in their careers. However, a supportive family is definitely a big help during times of turmoil in the industry,” she explains.

Aanchal adds that it has always been her family that has seen her through tough times. “I have never had to fight with my family over assignments. I have been lucky in that, as well as the fact that my career launched more smoothly than most. Many girls, who are new to the industry fall prey to less than savoury characters,” she sighs.

Ultimately, if nothing else works, going to a professional is not a step one should hesitate to take, says Kinjal. “If you have suicidal thoughts, seeking help from a professional should not be something you are ashamed of. In such situations, sometimes it is the only thing that can help,” she signs off.