HIMANSHU GURU
For Sabita Barik modelling was not a short cut to an acting career, but an exciting new way of showcasing talents and abilities that every aspiring actor should possess
Many young women harbour aspirations to enter the glamorous world of modelling which is a lucrative profession today. A model can earn admiration, money and stardom in the profession in a short time, provided s/he puts in real hard work. Besides, modelling for many aspirants is a short cut to an acting career. Fascinated by the allure of the profession, many young girls in Orissa are trying to make a career in the fashion industry. Meet model Sabita Barik for whom modelling is a stepping stone to launching a career in the film industry.
Daughter of Bimalamani and Bhagabata Barik of Baliapala in Balasore district, Sabita graduated from SR College in Baliapala and completed an MBA in HR from Fakir Mohan University. Sushant, Prashant, Jayant, Geeta and Ipsita are her siblings. She has also done a course in western dance from M Zone dance academy in Bhubaneswar.
Sabita walked the ramp in a number of shows including ‘Miss Kalinga 2k17’, ‘DIVA 2017’, and ‘Kalinga Sundari’ beauty pageant organised in Bhubaneswar. The first-generation model in her family, Sabita was “interested to become a model” since her college days but “ultimately wanted to become an actor”.
“The panel of judges at the Miss Kalinga award event selected me after asking some really tricky questions. That success fuelled me and I set out on a voyage in the world of fashion voyage,” she said.
Reflecting on her choice of attire, the model said: “I am comfortable both in western and ethnic wear. I love to wear Indo-western gowns and pants. I also want to be a fashion designer and that is why I design my dresses for photo shoots. I choose dresses keeping in mind the location of a shoot. But I am very comfortable in jeans and T-shirts.”
The youngster has acted in the TV serial ‘Sankha Sindura’. Asked about her experience of acting in the popular TV soap, Sabita said: “What we see on the screen seems to be easy, but it is difficult to generate the input. A lot of people need to put hard effort to come up with a good piece, although viewers only see the actors on screen. It is difficult to shoot a scene properly. I played a small role in the serial. I would arrive at the location and wear make-up at 6 in the evening, while shooting would start usually around 12 pm. However, I enjoyed working in the serial.”
The model has danced in a few stage shows including the annual function of M Zone. “Madhuri Dixit, Amy Jackson, Varun Dhawan and Deepika Padukone are my favourites,” she said. “Madhuri is unbeatable in the film industry for her dancing ability. From the south Indian film industry I like Allu Arjun and Prabhas. I liked Prabhas even before ‘Bahubali’”.
The youngster is a foodie with a fascination for both vegetarian and non-vegetarian delicacies. She said: “I like chicken kebab, Thai food, chilly chicken and mutton kosha as well as crispy fried mushrooms. I have made several culinary tours of the capital city with my friends.”
Sabita moved out of Balasore five years back in search for a career in modelling and acting and finally arrived in Bhubaneswar. The model misses her family, especially her father. “Only for my career do I have to stay away from my family. Back at my home I always used to have the daily meals with my father. During lunch and dinner I miss him. I also miss my six-month-old niece. However, making such compromises is part of life,” she said.
Asked what her aim in life was, the model-cum-actor replied: “I would love to do a lead role in a TV serial and also act in a film opposite Babusan if I get the offer.”
