Mumbai engineer once earning ₹30,000 a month now walks on runway for Armani

A 24-year-old engineer for Mumbai has made it big in the fashion world after trying his hand at modelling out of curiosity.

Shubham Vaidkar, a 24-year-old from Mumbai, never planned to become a model. He completed his bachelor’s degree in engineering and was ready for a normal office job, but life has a different plans.

During his second year of college, Shubham reportedly came across a modelling reel on Instagram. Out of curiosity, he searched how to become a model and started sending his pictures to agencies, as reported by the Hindustan Times. 

At that time, he reportedly weighed around 83-84 kg. He worked hard for one month, avoiding junk food and sugar, exercising regularly, and lost weight. The agency signed him soon after.

​In January 2024, he got a big opportunity— to walk for Armani in Milan, claimed the reports. Later, he also worked in Paris and returned to Milan

​Not putting all his eggs in one basket, Shubham came back to India an started a job as an engineer, earning ₹30,000 a month (₹3.6 LPA). However, after a while, he reportedly decided to quit and focus on modelling full-time.

​As per reports, his earning today are far from these. Models in Milan can reportedly fetch €1,500 to €2,000 for a runway show, and €5,000 to €6,000 a day for campaign shoot.

All’s not well on the other side, though, as Shubham reportedly cautioned that while modelling may look glamourous, it has rejections, last-minute cancellations, and mental stresses. Strict diet and fitness routines are also part of the parcel.