The Hindu News
Manu Bora is a ‘model doctor’
Take off the doctor’s coat and Gurgaon-based Manu Bora is ready to walk the ramp
Dr Manu Bora from Rajasthan is an orthopaedist who is also walks the ramp. The Gurgaon-based sports medicine specialist is a brand ambassador for Raymonds and does photo shoots with as much ease as he treats sports injuries.
Manu says always wanted to be a model but his priority was to become a doctor. He says, “While in school, I looked up to models like David Gandy and Milind Soman, and would imagine myself on the ramp. While this was my desire, my goal was to become a doctor. I didn’t want to let go of either of my dreams. I knew that once I was established as a doctor, I would be able to fulfil my desire.” He was confident that he could make it to the ramp because of his height (6’2 feet) and lean build.
Making waves on social media as a model-doctor, where he has an enthusiastic Instagram following, he says his message is that with a little extra effort, you can pursue your career as well as your passion. “All one needs is planning and not giving up on the dream.”
Recollecting his journey, Dr Manu says after his graduation, he wanted to do a postgraduation in orthopaedics. “For my PG I went to Paris and I signed up for an agency there. This was when I was slightly overweight due to unhealthy eating and a tight schedule as a student. Once I signed up with the agency, I gave myself time to become fit by following a strict diet and workout routine. Being keen on modelling, I did a few shows to gain experience and confidence. Thankfully, ramp models don’t need to flaunt abs.”
Manu maintains a healthy vegetarian diet and makes it a point to workout every day. “Since I don’t want the bulky look, I do lift a lot of weights,” he added.
Dr. Manu adds that his goal was to do a specialisation course on the shoulder (arthroscopy), while he pursued a modelling career. “So, I went to Milan for the course ten years back. There, I got to do a lot of shows and eventually landed a contract with the Paris fashion week. I am signed up with modelling agencies from New York, Paris, Milan and Greece.”
After returning to India, he was active on the ramp scene. Though he says he slowed down four years ago, he still does modelling assignments for India couture week and for designers such as Tarun Tahiliani, Rohit Bal, Sabyasachi, Shantanu Nikhil, Varun Bahl, Narendra Kumar, Rohit Gandhi, Rahul Khanna and more.
Medicine takes up a lot more of his time now. “I still Love doing shows but I have cut back on the number, as I need to attend to patients as well my speciality hospital in Gurgaon. With a bigger medical team in place, I will be able to walk the ramp.”
As a doctor and a model, his parting advice: Rather than following fads, fitness should be your focus