"Every profession has its ups and downs, so does modeling and acting." - Vikram Raja

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1. Tell us about your background and journey.

I’m an experienced Freelance Web & Graphic Designer. Born and brought up in Pondicherry. I started my acting career in 2008 for an Education Awareness Advertisement in Pondicherry and further to gain knowledge & to learn acting.

I worked in a few Short-films such as Abel in Villa, Enadhuyiure, and a few untitled albums which have not been released yet, and have appeared in the movie Kaatru Veliyadi as a supporting actor. By 2011 I started my modeling career. Have shot for the Brand's Offbeat, Selvarathinam Saravana Stores, Open Fashion, Chennai silks, Bovonto, Vogue Monger, BSA TI Cycles, NAC Jewellers, Sri Kumaran Thanga Maligai, Chennai Silks, Esthell Resort, Maxivision Eye Hospital & Murugappa Groups.

2. How did your family supported you in your journey?

Well! Initially, my family was not happy about what I was doing, they were like I’m wasting my time, better do something which makes my career. But I wanted to be an actor and a model. So it took years to prove my family that I’m capable and can achieve in this field. And with time they started supporting. To achieve one's dream one has to go through a tempest of obstacles and in the end, dissent from your family also counts as another obstacle that you must tear through to achieve what you want.

3. Who is your role model and why do idolize him/her?

For me, such no one can completely be a role model. There are many people who I admire with everyday activities. I find inspiration in a variety of people and things. I would have to say that the person who has most greatly inspired me is my mom. She always had a smile on her face no matter how hard the situation she worked hard and she loved everyone.

4. What is the biggest hurdle you have faced in your life and how you overcame it?

Every profession has its ups and downs, so does modeling and acting. It’s not all about the glamour, makeup, photo sessions, and magazine covers, behind the glory lies a lot of pain I went through many embarrassing moments in my life. Not getting a job or failing without any feedback is much harder. Therefore I try to make the best out of any criticism. Most of the time it comes down to your own choice of how to respond to it. Hence, I try to see it as part of the process and make the best out of it.

5. What do you like doing in your spare time?

In my free time, I love to work-out at the gym, and as I said I’m an experienced Freelance Web & Graphic Designer. So I design websites for the clients. I enjoy being around people. Watching movies, learn posing and expressions.

6. How would you motivate those youngster who want to follow your footsteps?

It’s a tough field but you need to keep moving with a positive attitude. Keep working on your skills like posing, walk, facing camera, style and attitude.

According to me, these three things are important: 

• Luck;
• Hard work;
• The right looks.

- Vikram Raja (IG: vikramrajaofficial)

Interview by - Haseeb Haroon