Why Lisa Haydon is asking women to stare...

The supermodel on standing tall off the ramp, motherhood and Top Model India
Why Lisa Haydon is asking women to stare...
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3 min read

Here’s what you might have in common with supermodel Lisa Haydon — she still gets ‘eve teased’ The only difference is that her catcallers now follow her on Instagram

In an effort to inspire Indian women to stand up for themselves, the actor — last seen in Queen and Housefull 3 — is opening up to fans on her personal encounters with eve teasing as an adolescent, and the daily struggle against ‘unwanted attention’. “Till today, I get comments on my Instagram posts suggesting I should feel ashamed of my body or clothing choices,” shared the 32-year-old with fans on social media recently. The campaign which began a month ago and runs for 365 days is in collaboration with makeup brand MyGlamm — and urges Indian women everywhere to  #TurnOnYourEyes and glare back every time they get an unwanted stare from a man.  

The Top Model India host talks standing tall off the ramp, life as a new mother and coming full circle from model to mentor.

Before you were famous, do you remember being eve-teased?
It has happened to me many times. The comments, the whistles, and it doesn’t just stop there... I remember a man behaving “inappropriately” in public view, in a safe Mumbai neighbourhood. I was only 12. I knew little then but felt violated enough to call an older family 
member to chase him away.

Tell us more about the campaign and how it seeks to empower young women. 
The only thing anyone should be personally ashamed of is a perverted mind. This campaign is against every unwarranted stare that made you question your clothes or shook your confidence. So #TurnOnYourEyes and stand strong. Each unique share of the campaign video contributes to 
a donation of up to Rs 1 crore to Give India and Magic Bus that will go toward empowering and educating underprivileged women and children in the country.

‘I’m allergic to most sunscreens’

Give us some tips for glowing skin.
I honestly believe in keeping things natural and basic. I don’t do too much to my skin. I always carry a face wash and MyGlamm’s Total Makeover FF Cream. I drink tonnes of water. I’m actually allergic to a lot of sunscreens, so I avoid using a lot of it but the sunscreen built-in the FF Cream palette works great for me.

We hear you moisturise twice a day — what is your potion of choice?
Right now, I’m using a Charlotte Tilbury moisturiser and an SK ll water toner.

One new favourite in your wardrobe that you have been loving lately.
A summer dress from Kooples. Also, dresses by Alexander Terekhov.
 

What has the journey with Top Model India been like?
I love the inclusiveness and diversity of the show, of giving people that come from smaller towns that don’t have access to the fashion business, an equal opportunity. It’s been a great journey and one that I look forward to continuing.

Did the show bring back some memories of your early years as a model?
Yes. I can literally relate to most aspects of what goes on during the show. I remember being a 
model and started out with all the things new models come with, nerves, learning how to walk the runway and all the same insecurities. Top Model is almost my job coming full circle. Nurturing and supporting these new talents is my way of giving back. 

Is there a film in the works or a sequel to your web series, The Trip, perhaps?
The Trip part two is shooting but I have decided not to do it as I have other projects in the works at this point in time and I’m unable to be there for the shoot.

We love your new ash blonde locks. What inspired the change?
I felt like doing something very different. I wanted to either cut my hair short or go blonde for a long time and when the opportunity arose, I jumped at it.

Switching gears to motherhood — how has life changed since you had a baby?
I’ve got a lot more balls to juggle, let’s put it that way. Home life, work, wife life, travelling, motherhood. It’s definitely very challenging and fulfilling.

We heard Zack celebrated his first birthday recently. Did you have a big bash?
We have a swimming class that we go to every Thursday at my friend’s house. So, Zack along with all his swimming buddies, had a birthday cake, and balloons, and lunch together. I had some champagne for the mummies. It was very simple. We all sang happy birthday to him, climbed on top of each other,  and jumped around, as one-year-olds do! 

sonali@newindianexpress.com | @brightasunshine

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