The two months long contest, India’s Next Top Model, finally concluded on Sunday evening with Danielle Canute taking away the title. 18 years old, Danielle, becomes the very first India’s Next Top Model. In addition to the title, Danielle has been signed by the Bling Talent Management and will also get a spread at the Grazia Fashion magazine.
The young aspiring model from Mumbai, was the youngest contestant on the show and had to compete with Gloria Tep and Rushali Rai to clinch the title. Her journey sure has been a roller coaster ride. Coming from a non- modelling background and starting off at such a young age was a challenge for this pretty lady. But Danielle had always been a surprise package on the show, improving her level and proving her worth with every photoshoot.
Danielle said she never expected to be the winner of the show but is happy that her hard work has paid off. She continued, "The journey was a roller coaster for me. I had never modelled before the show. I never thought I would make it to the first round, so for me winning the competition is a dream come true.”
Danielle is a BA second year student from St Xavier's College, Mumbai, and was extremely shy at the beginning of the show. But as she moved on with every episode, the girl not just crawled out of her shell, she in fact crawled her way to become one of the strongest contenders at the contest. Danielle, who idolises Lisa and British supermodel Cara Delevingne, said she is not thinking about joining films like most models do and will focus on building her career as a top catwalk star. From being one of the favourites of Lisa Hayden (one of the judges on the show), to creating a place in the hearts of the audiences, Danielle did it with sheer smoothness and utter confidence.
The other two finalists, Gloria Tep (second runner-up) and Rushali Rai, (third runner-up), have been amazing too. The top three finalists have seen it all – from being awarded with the best picture to being named at the bottom two – these ladies have cracked their way through some tough competition. And all three of them rightfully deserved to be placed as the top three.
India's Next Top Model' is an Indian version of Tyra Banks-created 2003 American reality television series, America's Next Top Model. The show was judged by Lisa and Dabboo Ratnani and mentored by Anusha Dandekar.