A Special Interview with Fashion Queen Maria Kispotta - ISN TV

This special interview explores the two-decade-long journey and the behind-the-scenes stories of Maria Kispotta, one of the most prominent faces and experienced models in the Bangladesh fashion industry. She speaks candidly about the beginning of her modeling career, the challenges of the runway, the working style of the current generation, and her future plans. This interview was conducted by entertainment reporter Hriday Khan. Let’s dive into the experiences of this talented star of the fashion world.

Hridoy: How did your modeling career begin? What was the experience like at that time?

Maria: My modeling career started very coincidentally. I was essentially picked up from my home to start modeling. My very first work was appearing as a model in a music video for Nagarbaul James. After that, I modeled for Ayub Bachchu’s songs and consistently worked in music videos for others in that circle, including Partha Barua, Miles, and Prometheus.

From there, I was selected as a host for a music show on Channel i by Jadu Music Production. That led me back into the ramp industry- the catwalk fashion industry as we call it in Bangladesh. My start in the Bangladesh fashion industry happened this way: my first pair on stage, the moment I first stepped onto a fashion runway, was with the model Noble Bhai. That was the beginning of my fashion career. Since then, I’ve never had to look back; I’ve moved forward at a steady pace.

The experience back then was truly wonderful. There was a fantastic sense of unity, everyone was very friendly, and everyone helped each other. The negativity or jealousy I see among models today didn't exist then. While there is a lot of "groupism" now, there was none back then. We, the entire fashion industry, were one single group. We worked with everyone and socialized with everyone. Things aren't the same anymore.

Hridoy: You have been in the fashion industry for over two decades. What has been the biggest challenge in this long journey?

Maia: The biggest challenge I feel I faced in this long journey was establishing my own position without being used by others and without using anyone else. That was my greatest challenge, and I have done it! I am happy that I succeeded. It took a long time and took a lot out of me. I had to endure many hardships and hurdles, and even pass through many ugly situations, but in the end, I overcame those challenges and established my position.

Hridoy: What kind of changes do you notice in the Bangladeshi ramp modeling industry?

Maria: I will speak about the changes I’ve observed in the fashion runway industry over the last decade. Models today are much more aggressive. Previously, there was a sense of flexibility, kindness, and generosity; everyone treated each other with humility. The values of modesty, politeness, and respecting seniors- respecting their space and following their lead- are no longer there. I’ve noticed this as a major change. However, there is a positive side too: models now are much more attentive, they dedicate a lot of time to the profession, take it very seriously, and put in a lot of hard work. That is a good thing.

Hridoy: What kind of preparation or hard work is required to maintain oneself as a ramp model?

Maria: Preparation and hard work are required in every profession. Every profession needs different types of exercises. By exercises, I mean mental exercise is also an exercise, as are your speaking skills. But in fashion runway modeling, we specifically have to maintain a workout routine and follow a strict food diet.

From a distance, people look at us and think, "Oh my, their lives are full of nothing but happiness; they don't even know what suffering is". Because we look so glamorous- shimmering and glittering-people don't see the struggle. When we work- like during rehearsals before a fashion show- it lasts for a day or two. Small shows have one day of rehearsal, while larger shows might have two or three days. During that time, we walk continuously for four to five hours. And that's not just normal walking; we have to maintain a specific pace, beat, and body curve, all while balancing on five to six-inch heels all day long. It is no joke.

This struggle is immense. Those who haven't done it cannot understand how painful it is. When we return home, our entire body feels like a corpse. We literally fall onto the bed like a dead body and cannot move. There have been so many incidents where models got cramps before a show-screaming and crying because they couldn't even straighten their legs, let alone walk! It's a terrible situation. Even then, everyone helps each other, perhaps with a massage, and then we pursue our performance on stage. We walk so many miles a day. To measure it, a minimum stage length is 80 feet, though some are 60 or 70 feet. For 'A' ranked models like us, the minimum length is usually 80 feet. In the past, runways were never less than 100 or 120 feet. Nowadays, 80 feet is common, but for shows like Juhi Hamm, it’s still 120 feet. Imagine walking on a 100 or 120-foot runway for five hours a day on five-inch heels- your entire body pressure is on those heels. It's not easy. We do this hard work so that on the day of the show, we don't make any faults.

Hridoy: Tell us about your established talent or modeling platform. What is its goal for newcomers?

Maria: My organization is Genesis by Maria Kispotta. It is a model grooming academy. I also have a sister concern, which is a production house and event management firm. As it is a modeling academy, I groom the models myself as the Chief Instructor. My organization's job is to teach aspiring models how to become models and how to pursue themselves in the media.

For newcomers, my goal is to advise those who are very enthusiastic. Nowadays, people tend to think and make decisions very quickly. I suggest they move away from impulsive decisions and instead make calculated choices and set clear goals.

Hridoy: How do you give time to yourself in your personal life outside of work?

Maria: How I spend my personal time outside of work isn't anything extraordinary. I simply love spending my personal time at home. I love being at home because my children, my house, and my plants are all very dear to me. I can't bear to be away from them. I love gardening, so I garden. I do some cooking for my children, which I enjoy. I’m not a "great" cook, but I make what my kids like. I also do some handicrafts when I feel like it. This is essentially my life. I am a homebody.

Hridoy: What kind of work or plans do you have for the future of the fashion industry?

Maria: I have some layouts for the future- specifically, exotic photography layouts. There will also be some cinematography based on those layouts. I have a few projects lined up that I haven't had the opportunity to start yet, as I haven't been able to gather enough "hands and support" so far. I am trying to gather everything so I can do that work. My plan is to bring forth some of my own fashion-based exotic work.

Hridoy: What do you think are the three most important qualities to becoming a successful model?

Maria As I was saying, the requirements we had in the past have changed. In today’s modeling career or fashion industry, I believe first, you have to be very "stubborn" or determined. You must have the mindset: "I will do this, I must do this". You must be prepared to work very hard, endure physical labor, and take on a lot of stress. You even have to be prepared to take criticism or scolding.

Second, you must have the quality of respecting and obeying seniors and learning the work from them.

Third, you must be very focused. This world is very colorful, and it’s easy to get blinded by the glitter. People who haven't seen this before can get overwhelmed, like putting on rose-tinted glasses for the first time. You must ensure you don't get de-focused. There are many ways to lose focus here, and once you do, it's hard to re-establish your position. Finally, you must be very patient. Without patience, you cannot work here.

Hridoy: What would you like to say to your audience?

Maria: To my audience and those who love me, I send my love from the bottom of my heart. Thank you so much for standing by me for so long; I hope you remain with me in the future as well. I want to tell them that it is because of your love- those who have followed me for a long time and like my work- that your thoughts about me have never changed. I want to thank those individuals and let them know that you are my inspiration to keep going. I want to accept that love and those prayers with all my heart. I hope you continue to support me and give me your love for the rest of my life. And if I have made any mistakes, please forgive me. I am only human, and humans are prone to error. Thank you.