Prabh Uppal: A Journey of Resilience in the Modelling Industry
Prabh Uppal, a prominent figure in the modelling industry at 35, embodies pragmatism with a straightforward philosophy: give your all, embrace rejection, and keep moving forward. His inspiring path from Jagraon, a small town near Ludhiana, illustrates how dedication can elevate a passionate individual to remarkable heights.
Uppal has appeared in numerous print advertisements, walked the runway for renowned designers, and starred in popular music videos, including Arijit Singh’s ‘Pachtaoge’ alongside Vicky Kaushal and Nora Fatehi, as well as ‘Ittar’ with Jasmine Sandlas.
For over ten years, he has been a familiar face in Raymond commercials. Interestingly, modelling was never his initial career choice. “I aspired to be an aeronautical or mechanical engineer. My older brother had appeared in some Punjabi music videos while I was in Class X, and I became intrigued by the attention he garnered. It wasn’t until a stranger on a bus asked if I was a model that I seriously considered it,” shares Uppal, who holds a degree in English Honours from SCD Government College, Ludhiana.
At the age of 20, during a trip to Mumbai, his friends encouraged him to send his photos to various modelling agencies. Fortune smiled upon him, and within days, he received a call from an agency.
“Seeing my image on posters and brochures was exhilarating. My first payment was Rs 2,000. Just a week later, the same agency contacted me for another shoot. The earnings motivated me to make Mumbai my second home,” he reminisces.
Today, he is a sought-after model for esteemed designers like Tarun Tahiliani, Anita Dongre, Manish Malhotra, Gaurav Gupta, and Sabyasachi, having graced the runway for them multiple times. He has collaborated with both international and Indian brands.
Despite his impressive portfolio, he continues to encounter rejections, which he views as part of the journey. “When one door closes, another opens. Always give your best, no matter where you are,” he smiles.