The supermodel talks about the fashion world, her latest exhibition in Mumbai and love for photography

For Sheetal Mallar, one of India’s leading supermodels, photographs are not just about capturing a moment, but also a way to introspect. That’s one of the ideas she wants to convey through her ongoing exhibition. “Braided”, which started last week at Mumbai’s Art Musings gallery.

The series of mixed-media art, which includes photographs, drawings, text and a self-published photo-book, focuses on the intricacies of identity and ageing, and explores the bond between mothers and daughters. She looked at hair, for instance, to depict how haircare rituals (something as simple as oiling) when done together “are a way to bond”, says Mallar, who recently walked the ramp for Sabyasachi’s jewellery show in Delhi. 

In an interview with Lounge, Mallar talks about modelling, her love for photography and how the fashion world is evolving. Edited excerpts: 

What was the idea behind ‘Braided’? 

I was in a stage where I wanted to look at some emotions that are at my core. In some ways, it was a conscious effort to go back to childhood stories and find threads of those memories. With time, you start realising that you don’t have as much time as you think. Holding on to these stories become very important then, especially when it comes to relationships between moms and daughters. Such bonds are vulnerable as well as beautiful. I feel my maternal figures have been very instrumental in how I have been shaped as a woman. I am understanding them and myself more through the passage of time.

Sheetal Mallar

How has the transition been, from full-time modelling to photography?

My modelling journey has been a big part of my life. I was a baby when I started. I am grateful for all that it has given me and taught me. The transition felt like I was a teenager all over again, treading a new path and everything that comes with it. 

The second chapter with photography and visual arts feels like my calling. I am excited to mix up my favourite media to tell stories. I look at my work like stories. So, the storytelling aspect of it is exciting for me. I also shoot fashion and lifestyle and some commercial works.

Any photographers/artists you admire?

I like are Nan Goldin, Rineke Dijkstra, Cindy Sherman, Dayanita Singh and Gauri Gill. 

Does fashion inform your work in any way?

Modelling gives you a sense of what the business of fashion is. It’s a challenging business and you learn survival through it. Photography and the arts are more voyeuristic and imaginative. It takes another side of oneself to take that forward. 

You are still very much part of the fashion world, with your appearances on the ramp and for brand campaigns. Do you believe fashion is finally becoming more inclusive?

Getting the former supermodels back is a trend, for now. I feel inclusivity is the natural way forward, though I am not sure how long it will last. I hope it becomes a norm.

I have had a great time as a model. We worked with some of the best in the business and the business treated us well. We didn’t need to do a side hustle to survive. Today, I feel the work of models is being shared by actors and other celebrities, so it affects the business of models. I wish models are treated fairly and duly paid. 

 

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Hannah Waddingham dressed down a photographer at the Olivier Awards who asked her to “show me leg”.

The Ted Lasso star, who recently opened up about a harrowing experience on the set of Game of Thrones, hosted the London ceremony, which took place on Sunday (14 April) and saw Sunset Boulevard take home seven trophies.

Before the event began, Waddingham posed for photographs outside the Royal Albert Hall, but was left visibly frustrated by a comment made by a member of the press, whom she proceeded to call out.

After a photographer appeared to shout “show me leg” in her direction, Waddingham could be heard replying, in footage captured by a bystander and shared on X/Twitter: “Oh my God, you’d never say that to a man.

“Don’t be a d***, otherwise I’ll move off. Don’t say ‘show me leg.’ No.”

Waddingham was cheered and applauded as she walked away, shaking her head disapprovingly.

The 2024 event, celebrating the best in theatre, marked the second time Waddingham has hosted.

Nicole Scherzinger’s Sunset Boulevard swept the Olivier Awards with seven wins. The former Pussycat Dolls singer taking home the trophy for Best Actress in a Musical, with her co-star Tom Francis, winning Best Actor

Sarah Snook, the Australian star of Succession, beat out fierce competition from Sarah Jessica Parker, Sheridan Smith, and Sophie Okonedo to win Best Actress for her role in The Picture of Dorian Gray.

Waddingham recently said she had “no time” for criticism of her Mission: Impossible co-star Tom Cruise.

The actor filmed scenes alongside the controversial Hollywood star for the concluding instalment of Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning, which is set to be released in 2025,

After recalling how she spent “five intense days” with Cruise on the USS George HW Bush fighter carrier, Waddingham said during a TV appearance over Christmas “I have to say, I have a real problem with anybody that goes at him now.”

She continued: “He is without doubt one of the loveliest and encouraging, positive and inspiring human beings I have ever met. Isn’t he gorgeous? I have no time for anyone saying anything about him.”

Photo of David Beckham for Maserati by Jake Rosenberg

Boldly, a prominent creative production studio in Canada, is thrilled to announce the expansion of its artistic representation through the launch of a new photography roster. 

Over the past decade, the company’s diverse roster of talented filmmakers has consistently produced award-winning work that has been recognised globally. The introduction of a photography roster is a natural progression for Boldly, as they aim to replicate this success by embracing the dynamic world of visual storytelling through still images.

In today’s interconnected world, narratives are no longer confined to a single medium. The fusion of film and photography under one roof offers a more holistic approach to storytelling. It allows for the creation of comprehensive campaigns that can speak across platforms, engaging audiences with a blend of motion and still imagery. This synergy not only enhances the storytelling capabilities of creatives but also meets the evolving consumption habits of audiences worldwide.

“Expanding into photography is not just a growth strategy for us; it’s a response to the evolving needs of the advertising industry and the agencies and brands we serve,” says Shelby Manton, co-founder of Boldly. “Photography, much like film, has the power to influence and inspire change. Through this new hand-picked roster, we aim to harness that power, and provide our clients with the opportunity to further their storytelling impact with the addition of still images. Furthermore, our clients love and appreciate getting to work with a trusted production house while still getting access to world-class photographic talent: same client service, streamlined production, and transparent bids. Whether it’s stills alongside motion shoots, larger stand-alone photo campaigns, or motion alongside  stills shoots, we’re confident that Boldly can be your one-stop-shop.”

By embracing both filmmakers and photographers, production companies like Boldly are positioning themselves as central hubs for creative talent.  

Boldly’s starting line up of photographers includes Jake Rosenberg, Bill Hawley, Kate Whyte, Dominic Storer, Jordan Findlay, Chrris Lowe, Albert Law, Nik Molson, and Tal Vardi. These talented photographers encompass a wide range of genres, including but not limited to advertising, celebrity, automotive, lifestyle, product, landscape, fashion, editorial, and key art. For more information about Boldly and their new photography roster, please visit here. 

Hannah Waddingham eloquently shut down sexist commentary at the Olivier Awards, garnering widespread praise for her assertiveness and serving as a role model against misogyny. The Game of Thrones star hosted the theater awards on Sunday (April 14) at the Royal Albert Hall in London, UK, and reportedly captivated the crowd with her trademark poise and clever humor.

But before kicking off the ceremony, which recognizes excellence in professional theater in London, the 49-year-old actress elegantly posed for photographs outside the venue, gracing the red carpet (in this case the gray steps) in a semi-sheer lilac one-shoulder long gown.

Hannah’s dress turned out to be too long for one of the photographers’ taste, as a clip of the event showed them yelling out that she should “show some leg,” a comment which instantly took the entertainment performer’s smile out.

The actress was quick to react, as the clip further showed her immediately rebutting: “Oh my god, you would never say that to a man. 

“Don’t be a d**k. Otherwise, I’ll move on. 

“Don’t say ‘show me leg.’”

Hannah Waddingham shut down sexist commentary at the Olivier Awards, showcasing her assertiveness and earning widespread praise

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Image credits: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images

The acting talent promptly moved along and was reportedly seen sharing some tense words with an individual, possibly the person who had made the problematic comment, before turning away from the situation and sharing a hug with British singer Michael Ball, Metro reported.

A person who goes by the “Bruna but with a posh accent” handle on X (formerly known as Twitter), shared the original clip of the incident, amassing millions of views on the social media platform.

Many viewers reacted in support of Hannah, as an X user commented: “Damn rude photographer.

“I’m glad she called him out!

“And I’m glad her friend Michael Ball was there to give her a hug; I’m sure she needed it in that moment.”

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Image credits: odeiotedlasso

Another person wrote: “I could not love her more!

“I absolutely LOVE that she stands her ground and will not let people treat her like cr*p.”

Someone else chimed in: “The snapper wanted her to show some leg and she politely said he wouldn’t ask a man to do that.

“Good for her. Creepy old man.”

Nevertheless, other people had a different take on the whole situation, as exemplified by this separate X user who penned: “I’m puzzled… Celebrity women dress far differently than celebrity men… men always wear pants, shirts, jackets and are completely covered.

“The women are not covered.

“I love her dress and the look of it, but isn’t it designed to naturally show her legs and figure?”

“Oh my god, you would never say that to a man,” Hannah told a photographer after he asked her to show her leg

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Image credits: odeiotedlasso

An additional viewer commented: “A bit much imo (in my opinion).

“Isn’t the point of a thigh-high slit to show more leg?

“If u don’t want a comment like that don’t wear a gown with a thigh-high slit.

“I can guarantee you if gowns like hers were the typical red carpet attire for men you’d hear ‘show ur legs’. Get a grip!”

The actress has previously spoken out about the misogyny and double standards she’s faced as a woman before, telling Glamour in October 2023: “When it comes to dealing with sexism, especially in my industry, I was on the receiving end of it mostly when I was modeling back in my twenties, with some of the nonsense that misogynistic male photographers would throw at me to put me in my place.

You can watch the viral clip below:

long story short: hannah was being her gorgeous self and the 📸 made some comment about her leg we couldn’t quite make out and… well, the video speaks for itself. This woman is a role model. Always, always call pricks out on their bullshit. https://t.co/TUPwdqEYo2 pic.twitter.com/ybhxCo5FJ6

— bruna but with a posh accent (@odeiotedlasso) April 14, 2024

“I called them out straight away – and they would then try to fight their corner, but I never let it go; I always called it out – but back then, it was at a time when people didn’t back you up. 

“But I know that I’ve always given off an air of: ‘I will literally kill you if you treat me like that!’”

Hannah is known for playing businessperson Rebecca Welton in the comedy series Ted Lasso for three seasons from 2020 to 2023, for which she won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series in 2021 and the Critics’ Choice Television Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series in 2021 and 2022.

She has also appeared in a number of West End shows, including Spamalot, the 2010 Regent’s Park revival of Into the Woods, and The Wizard of Oz as the Wicked Witch of the West, and has received three Olivier Award nominations for her work.

Social media users continued to praise the actress

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