At 19, Aanchal Kumar has been to places that exist in fairy tales, done fashion shows across the world, shot for music videos, signed for the Diet Coke advertising campaign and is now looking for serious offers by "brilliant directors" in Hindi movies.

A product of UT's St Stephens' School, she won the Gladrags Mega-Model contest 1999 and was on a flying visit today to her Sector 16 residence. The visit was the first since 1998.

Chandigarh Newsline found her relaxing at home, casually dressed in white pedal pushers and a strappy purple top. "Chandigarh has changed a lot. Lots of food joint have come up," she remarked.

At ease with her super model image, Aanchal is aware of the commitment required in a modelling career. "There is a lot of responsibility attached to modelling, especially when you are representing your country. They judge your nation from your behaviour, from the way you conduct yourself; every step you take, counts," she said.

However, Aanchal is unhappy over the fact that the Indian community is not well represented in the international arena. "From what they gather through channels like the BBC, people abroad visualise India as a poverty-ridden country, inhabited by dark-skinned people with red dots on the forehead and who cannot speak English. In fact, they took me for an Italian," said Aanchal.

Aanchal wants to act in films, but says it is important that her first movie is with a very good director. "I want to be a winner; that was the attitude with which I entered the Gladrags contest. I entered with the spirit of winning, not with the spirit of participating. I wanted people to remember me as a very good contestant, even if I failed to win the title."

Aanchal, who secured first division in her BA-II exams (which had coincided with the contest), is determined to finish her studies. "My parents want me to complete my studies. Education is important and I will not let them down," she said.

The baby of the family, Aanchal has her three elder sisters as great friends. "My family is complete. I have never had the urge to go outside and seek solace".

Aanchal features in a due-for-release music video with Harbhajan Maan and will be shooting for a Hindi music video at Nainital tomorrow. She has also completed an acting course with Prof Roshan Taneja "who has taught the nitty-gritty of acting skills to Jaya Bachhan, among others".