Off Duty with Senel

�Walking the ramp.... I love it� :

Exclusive interview with Model Anuj Ranasinghe.

His repertoire is impressive and his dedication to his work is inspiring. Anuj Ranasinghe, talks about his school days, being discovered, staying in shape and the latest projects he�s been a part of.

Hi Anuj. It�s great to be talking to you.
How did you get into modelling?

To be frank, I wanted to step into this field at the age of 22. But nothing worked out during that time and I hardly got any support. So I decided to focus on my higher studies. But that burning desire was still in me. So after two years, in 2010, I applied for the Mr. Sri Lanka and Best Male Model of the Year for International Best Male Model and emerged as the Best Male Model 2010. So my modeling career began in October 2010 after winning that title.

What was your first big break in the industry?

Well I guess I could say, emerging as the first runner-up at the International Best Male Model 2010 Pageant in Spain. This was my first big break in the industry.

What has been your favourite job so far?
Lecturing!

When you�re not busy modelling, what are some of your favourite pastimes that you engage in?

Going to the gym (I do my regular workout everyday), hanging around with my friends, walking on the beach and watching international fashion shows and movies.

Not many know that you were quite a sportsman in your school days? Tell us more about that. Do you still find time to do sports?

Yes, I was a quite an active sportsman in my school days. I have won medals in high jump and long jump at All Island sports events and was also a cricketer. Even now, whenever I get free time I play cricket with my friends in the neighbourhood.

I found that you are also a bit of a musician. Tell us more about it? What instruments do you play?

I was a senior violinist in the school orchestra and we did several indoor and outdoor musical events.

Speaking of music, what kind of music do you listen to?

I enjoy listening to slow rhythmic Sinhala and Hindi songs and I also enjoy listening to English Hip-hop music.

How do you balance your personal life with your career and modelling?

I could say I�m pretty much an organised person. I always schedule and keep notes of my work and plan the things I ought to do and prioritise them. It helps me with my work-life and focusing on each item when the time is right.

Tell us about the charity projects you are involved in.

As a responsible citizen I believe that we should be involved with charity initiatives. Whenever there�s a possibility and opportunity I get involved with such projects. Among them, I could highlight the fashion show I did for my school, which was organised in aid of purchasing a bus for the school. I also participated in the tree plantation project organised by FKC which was held adjacent to the parliament grounds.

Tell us about some of the awards you�ve bagged over the years.

Starting from being the Best Male model 2010, Sri Lanka and emerging as the International Best Male Model 2010, I was ranked in the Top 16 at Mister International 2011.

With your schedule, is it hard for you to stay in good shape?

No, as I mentioned earlier I do my regular workout which really helps me to be in good shape. But if I�m busy with my work and other activities, somehow I find time to at least do some push-ups, it doesn�t matter if I�m backstage at shoot locations or at home. I am also health conscious and conscious of the food I take in.

What qualities do you look for in a girl?

Honesty and being understanding!

What�s your worst habit?

Well I think it�s being �lazy� getting in to a task. But the moment I put my first step in, I become so committed till I finish it.

Do you prefer catwalks or shoots?

I love both, but I really love to be on the ramp. I think that is my passion!

If a young girl or boy wanted to be a model what would your advice to them be?

In Sri Lanka, the modelling industry is still picking up.

Being a fulltime model would not suffice. My advice to upcoming models is: it is always better to make modelling as a part time activity and involve in either higher education or any other job. But still one will have to not get distracted, focus on whatever you undertake and hard work.

What plans do you have for the future? Anything to look forward to?

Hmm�yes I�m looking forward to starting a business. That�s one of my dreams.