One of the best models in the country, Rikee Chatterjee has been a regular at the country’s main fashion events since the beautiful Bengali started modeling. Almost a decade of walking the ramp and for all the greats like Tarun Tahiliani, Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Anamika Khanna and Wendell Rodricks, the 5’11 ” ramp from Jamshedpur impresses with its humility and warmth when you catch up to it. She was spotted strolling to The India Story presented by Neotia Arts Trust, in association with t2, in Swabhumi, in December, after the opening gala of the parade, where she strolled in Anju Modi. A conversation.
After how long are you back in Calcutta?
After a very long time because I haven’t done a show for two years now. It was a good experience … it was amazing and I’m glad I stayed at least one night and got to explore.
What do you love most about being in Calcutta?
All! I mean the ambiance. There is something about Calcutta. I come here and really want to stay a long time but it never happens. I have so much work to do and always have to go back, but I’m sure I’ll be back just to explore because I’ve never done that. I have never stayed in Kolkata or experienced it alone and explore Kolkata, the villages too. My mother is from Asansol and so is my father and I want to see more.
As a kid, I don’t have many memories of it, but whatever I do, it’s amazing. I often think about it. I am sure I will be back very soon.
Your Instagram photos give us life goals. You’ve had the best life in the past year …
I’ve been living life since I got into this fashion industry. He gave me everything. It’s a dream come true. Obviously there have been ups and downs and there has been a lot of hard work and more than that there has been a lot of struggle but I think it was worth it. When I see myself now, it was all worth it. When you have patience, hard work and so much dedication to something you love and are passionate about … that’s it.
But something changed last year. There was magic in your messages …
In fact, nothing has changed. For me, I work and make sure I have a balance between family, my boyfriend, and time spent traveling. Even though the pandemic was heartbreaking, when it came to my life … I love being at home and I love being with my rescued pets.
It was good to see that others who really struggle to find that kind of connection with their family or with people who don’t have time for themselves, it was nice to see them get that time .
Revised life goals for you?
My purpose in life has always been the same, it’s about today and how I want to live today. I have always lived in the present moment and everyone should do it and savor this moment. Go with the flow. I have always followed my heart and my intuition and it has been amazing. Take advantage of the time. Don’t wait for things to happen. Do it. If you want to go on vacation, do it. If you want to take care of yourself, do it because there is no tomorrow. It’s the mantra forever
