Model Param Grewal on the modelling industry’s many moods
They say breaking into and working in the modeling industry can be extremely difficult work. And no one knows it better than model and former Mr Melbourne, Param Grewal, who you probably recognise from music videos such as Feroze Khan’s Tenu Fer Pata lage, Jeet Sandhu’s Udeekan and Karthik Patel’s Char Bangdi Wari Gaadi. Here, he talks to The Indian Sun about the ups and downs of modelling in Melbourne…
How did you get started in modelling?
It was always been a dream to be an actor/model but I first got into this field when I was named runner up at Mr. Melbourne in MIQ (a Melbourne-based pageant). Soon after, I was offered a role in Feroze Khan’s Punjabi music video and that how it all started.
What do you think is the biggest barrier you have had to overcome as a model?
Nothing comes easy. The toughest part for me was to juggle my day job and my dreams. Modelling demands a lot of time, which means you have to quit your job and focus on your career. But I had so many financial responsibilities I couldn’t quit my full-time job. Balancing the two was one of my biggest challenges.
What projects do you have coming up?
At the moment I am prepping for a bodybuilding show. It’s actually a physique competition happening next year and my focus is on that. I am also going to start my struggle in the film industry of Mumbai, which is going to be exciting as well as nerve-wracking.
You modelled in the viral Gujarati song Char Bangadi Wari Gaadi. How was that experience?
It’s actually one of my favourite music videos. It was a new experience for me as I was doing something I had never done before, which is to act in another language. I was quite surprised as to how well I picked up the language.
Is it challenging to find modelling jobs in Melbourne?
From my experience, yes, it is very hard. There are so many models here who are willing to act for free that makes it really hard for other models. It has almost become impossible to find decent work without people exploiting you. Melbourne is becoming very much like Bollywood. If you are wealthy, there’s work for you. If you can be a sycophant, if you are willing to compromise, there’s work for you. Talent doesn’t mean anything to anyone here. My advice to people who want to build their career in modelling would be to go and try in Mumbai. At least if you get some work it will be recognised worldwide. In Melbourne, no one recognises the work you have done because it is limited to the audience here.
Donate To The Indian Sun
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun is an independent organisation committed to community journalism. We have, through the years, been able to reach a wide audience especially with the growth of social media, where we also have a strong presence. With platforms such as YouTube videos, we have been able to engage in different forms of storytelling. However, the past few years, like many media organisations around the world, it has not been an easy path. We have a greater challenge. We believe community journalism is very important for a multicultural country like Australia. We’re not able to do everything, but we aim for some of the most interesting stories and journalism of quality. We call upon readers like you to support us and make any contribution. Do make a DONATION NOW so we can continue with the volume and quality journalism that we are able to practice.
Thank you for your support.
Best wishes,
Team The Indian Sun
