THE MODEL JOURNAL : SAAJ RAJA
Welcome to the very FIRST in the series of ‘The Model Journal’. A platform that reveals what is going on behind the faces at BEC Models. From side hustles and campaigns, to industry knowledge and advice, find out what the day to day life of a model is really like.
This month we talk to Saaj R, an extremely talented and experienced model, dancer and actor at BEC models. he has been a part of the industry since he was 5 years old. Saaj set up a Bollywood dance company in Hong Kong and has recently started his own vegan food delivery company. We discuss the importance of authenticity and why he wish he pushed himself a little more in younger years but is definitely making up for it now!
1. Hi Saaj! So firstly, thank you for your time in your very busy schedule, I'd like to start by asking How are you? How are you feeling about life lately?
Hi Becci! I'm well thanks. Very grateful to be answering your questions. Life has been a bit of a whirlwind for different reasons recently. We are in the midst of unprecedented change and exploring unfamiliar territory as a global community. That feels a little scary. But I feel like the one comfort is that we are all experiencing it together. I lost my grandad recently one week before launching our family business which was tough. I feel like I am having to go with the flow despite it sometimes being turbulent. That's life!
2. How did you get into modelling? How old were you and it is something you've always wanted to do?
My parents used to drive me to London on the weekends when I was very young (5) to attend modelling and performance-related classes. I used to love it despite the limited opportunities for someone of my background at the time. I've been on stage Bollywood dancing since the age of 4 and have always wanted to be a performer. Both my parents have been on stage at local shows and my Dad taught me how to dance!
I wanted to go to drama school but my parents encouraged me to get a degree. After working in London as a journalist I moved to Hong Kong for four years to work in investment banking and stock brokering. I kept my creativity alive in Hong Kong and set up my Bollywood dance company called Bollywood on Hollywood. in 2018 I quit corporate life to follow my acting dream full-time. Modelling has come hand-in-hand as a result.
3. What advice (if any) were you given when you first started out and what do you wish you knew when embarking on modelling and acting?
I was always positively encouraged by my father to push myself creatively on stages at local events facilitated by the Crawley Indian Nayee community. This was so important for my development and gave me the confidence to grow. It was a safe space for me to perform. It's beneficial to have a support system or community around you which enables you to grow as a model or performer. Social media is an enabler of this now. I've noticed a lot of groups have formed during the lockdown by creative communities.
I wish I took even more risks and pushed myself earlier as a dancer. That's what I'm trying to do now in my choices as an actor. As a model I think authenticity shines through. It's palpable and people can notice it. It can make the difference between working with someone again or not.
4. Tell me more about your family side business you are currently working on? What inspired you to start this?
We have soft launched a Vegan meal delivery service called "Plant Infusion" with my family. All our meals are Vegan, Indo-Fused and freshly prepared on the day of delivery. We have a special focus on sprouts! My uncle came to us with the idea over the summer. The values really tie in with the lifestyle choices we have been making over the last few years. Like cutting out meat and becoming more conscious of our environment. All of our packaging is plant-based along with the food. My mother and aunt are fantastic cooks and have been feeding very happy guests for many years so why not the country? The aim is to provide good food from our family with a mouthful of tradition in every bite! (Insta: https://instagram.com/plant_in_fusion)
5. What has been the hardest part of setting up your own business and on the flipside what have you found the easiest/ joyful part?
You can plan as much as you like but reality sets in when you actually test your product and get out there! We officially go live in January. At the moment we are trialing our menu with 100 tasting volunteers in Crawley, Horsham and Brighton with a team of seven people. This means having to roll your sleeves up and work on all aspects of the business which can be a challenge. The great thing is we all have complimentary skills and strengths. I am looking after the marketing and front-end. It's been a real joy to already see the impact our service is having on the local community in just one week. It makes it all worth it!
6. What other skills or talent do you have that you like to do in your spare time?
I've just finished writing my first draft of a pilot script I've been developing and pitching to a production company. It looks at the experiences of young ethnic minority youths in the UK compared to their ancestors. It still needs a lot of work but I'm looking forward to bringing it to life. I've also been helping my mum make some videos for her Wellbeing and Yoga business which has been fun!
7. What has lockdown taught you about yourself/ if anything?
We've had a lot of our usual distractions stripped away as a result of the lockdown. This has made me realise the value spending quality time with my family and loved ones, escpecially after living away most of the last ten years. Having a regulated spiritual practice through daily yoga and meditation has helped me cope with the uncertainty.
8. What are you most looking forward to in life right now?
I have my first feature film in a lead role releasing in the coming months which is exciting. It's a British independant film called "A Game of Two Halves" about a young British student who embarks on a journey of self-discovery as he finds himself in India teaching football to poor children. We filmed in Hyderabad for one month last year which was an incredible experience.
Find Out more
https://becmodels.com/saaj-raja-portfolio
https://www.instagram.com/plant_in_fusion)
Instagram: @saaj.raja
