info@indiafashionicon.com
Publisher
इस खबर को सुनने के लिये प्ले बटन को दबाएं।
A 24-year-old engineer from Mumbai has captured hearts with a remarkable career transformation — going from earning ₹3.6 lakh per annum as a civil engineer to walking the runway for Giorgio Armani at fashion shows in Milan and working on international campaigns.
Unexpected Turn Into Modelling
Born and raised in Mumbai, Shubham Vaidkar completed a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and took up a conventional job soon after graduating. During his second year in college, he began modelling casually for fun, but it was only later that the idea turned into something much bigger.
Vaidkar says a random Instagram reel sparked his interest in modelling — prompting him to send photos to multiple agencies. One agency told him bluntly that he needed to lose weight before they could sign him. Determined, he worked hard on his fitness and, within a month, earned representation.
From Mumbai Office to Milan Runway
His first opportunity to travel abroad came in January 2024, when he walked for Armani in Milan — marking his first international job and first trip outside India. After graduating, he travelled again to Milan and Paris in mid-2024 for modelling assignments.
Modelling wasn’t always steady, so Shubham briefly returned to India and took up a civil engineering role earning ₹30,000 per month. Six months later, he resigned to pursue modelling full-time — a decision that ultimately transformed his career.
A Very Different Paycheque
The financial contrast between his old job and his current work is striking. Today, Shubham earns significantly more per assignment: international runway shows can pay around €1,500–€2,000 (approximately ₹2.15 lakh–₹2.87 lakh), while campaign shoots can bring in about €5,000–€6,000 (over ₹5 lakh) for a single day’s work. Even after a standard agency commission, this represents a dramatic rise compared to his earlier salary.
Beyond the Glamour
Despite the glamorous image of fashion modelling, Shubham emphasizes the discipline and uncertainties behind the scenes. He notes that while runway appearances look effortless, the reality involves rigorous training, constant fitness maintenance and unpredictability in bookings — sometimes learning about assignments only a day before.
His experience reflects a broader story of reinvention — one where passion, persistence and readiness to embrace unconventional paths can lead to extraordinary outcomes. The video of his journey, contrasting his earlier engineering life with his present as an international model, has also resonated widely on social media, earning significant praise and encouragement online.
