Sucheta Sharma James has been the muse of all muses to fashion designers since she arrived on the modeling scene in 2004 when was signed on by Elite Model Management. Her doe eyes and lofty cheekbones won her Elite Model Look Of The Year 2004 and she represented the country in China. "That was the big break because I was spotted by several designers. I went to France to showcase for designers Rohit Bal and Narendra Kumar and there was no looking back. Hong Kong-Shanghai-Taiwan-London-Paris-Switzerland-Sri Lanka-Mauritius-Malaysia-Indonesia-Dubai-Singapore are few places where I got the opportunity to model and I thank my profession because it brings occasions for me to travel and learn about different cultures" she reminisces.

No one makes the flashbulbs pop quite like Sucheta. "I feel grateful that I have had the opportunity to walk for almost all the designers from different parts of India. Memorable projects include shooting for the Pepsi commercial with cricketers; for Aircel; and a title track for a film starring Vivek Oberoi and Fardeen Khan. I have done several campaigns but walking on the ramp is a favorite" she grins. Sucheta disciplines herself to be beautiful through diet and fitness—and that's only a part of the mantra. "From my own experience, I would like to guide new models — respect for time and professionalism is the only demand of this industry, be it India or overseas. I'm sure you can do that if you want to modelling as a long-term career. Yes, there will be long hours of rehearsals, travelling all the time, and no fixed time for meals, but you have to be on top of your game at all times. Discipline yourself and be organised. The demands are such, soon the feeling of having fun disappears and it becomes serious work. One must learn how to cope with pressure. The key to success is 100 per cent commitment and never-give-up attitude. If you follow these rules, no one can stop you!"

Diversification is on the cards. ”Though I'd love to model all my life fitness is something I wish to associate with as a second career. My husband is a top fitness trainer and several models and actors, directors and singers and people from the corporate world are his clientele. I have the opportunity to learn from the best so  few years down the line I guess I'll be living my second passion as a profession. Isn't that great?? When I'm not working or travelling, I'm home. I love spending time with my husband watching movies and playing PS3." As the conversation winds down, she sighs "So this is me: simple yet passionate. I love my job and I love my husband!!"

— JASMEEN DUGAL