Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. But the beauty that Prasad Bidappa beholds, he shares with the rest of the world. Bangalore's style guru has an uncanny instinct for spotting models with personality and potential.

He is an image consultant, running Prasad Bidapa Associates, a division of the Design and Print Group. The latter is an event management company that takes care of every detail -  from photography and styling to experts in choreography, sound and light systems, stage planning, design and execution and event management of a wide assortment of product launches, contests and promotions. Their clients include United Breweries and their subsidiaries Kingfisher and McDowell, Titan Watch Industries, Folio, Gucci, Citibank, Microland, Swarovski, General Motors and other well known corporate houses.

He is 42, married to Judy Bidapa a teacher by profession, and has two kids Adam and Aviva. He loves spending quality time with his family; since he travels ten days a month he tries not to socialize much when in the city. He loves Bangalore  and feels it is responsible for the kind of person he is today.

Would you consider Bangalore as the 'Fashion Capital' of India?

"Not really. Bangalore is like the style capital of India, things are done in style here. As such, India has no fashion capital. You can call Delhi as a city for ethnic wear and Bombay for Western wear."

For the past few years Indian women have been walking away with most of the International Beauty titles. What's your comment on this trend?

"India has matured as a country that can produce good models. The training given here is much better. The models are experienced to handle an international pageant. For instance, Aditi Govitrikar.....she is such an experienced model. I don't think there was anybody who could beat her in the Mrs World contest.

Your favourite bangalore models?

Vidisha Pavate, Nafisa Joseph, Diya Abharam, Kiran Rao. Among the male models I like Syed Zulfi, Dino, Tarun. In fact, today 50% of the the working range of models in India are from Bangalore.

On Sarah Corner (Femina Miss India World)....

Sarah is fabulous....we have trained her for 3 years, she has been one of our top models. She will no doubt win the Miss World title. She is focused and has a one point agenda...that is, to win!

Prasad Bidapa's message to all aspiring/ upcoming models is.....

"To prepare themselves by leading a very healthy lifestyle. It involves preparing your mind, body and your looks by focusing on education, exercise and grooming.

Grooming - your personal style depends on cleanliness and maintaining your hair, skin and other details so as to look your best.

Education is important because this business is not just about looks alone but also about building a career. A wide range of general knowledge and a degree helps you be focused.

Exercise combined with a healthy diet prepares your body to look its best and keeps it in good functioning order. I recommend exercises like swimming, aerobics and controlled gym work to achieve your optimum body.

by M V Kamini

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