Our September cover star Dipti Sharma is taking international runways by storm

Between international campaigns and runway shows for top fashion houses, and a whole lot of globetrotting, Dipti Sharma is living the dream.

ELLE: Hi Dipti! Tell us what it was like growing up in Uttarakhand.
Dipti Sharma: I grew up in a joint family, with my cousins, uncles and aunts. It was pretty amazing; us kids had a lot of fun.

ELLE: Now that you’ve moved to New York, what is that like?

DS: I love it! It has such a good vibe—this crazy energy that helps make things right, even when I’m feeling down.

ELLE: What would you say was the biggest challenge in getting to where you are now?

DS: Acceptance, across the board. When I started, my parents were not very supportive—it makes a huge difference if you have your family by your side.

ELLE: The first thought you had when you bagged the Balenciaga campaign?

DS: That all the struggle has been worth it.

ELLE: What has been your biggest life lesson?

DS: To let go of things, even though it’s hard to do. Some things are not meant to be, but what is yours will eventually come your way.

Dipti Sharma poses on the streets of Calcutta for ELLE’s September issue.

Photographs: Max Vadukul; Styling: Malini Banerji; Hair and Make-up: Deepa Verma; Agency: Anima Creative Managment; Production: Milkyway Films; Post production: Picturehouse + The Small Dark Room; Assisted by: Colston Julian (photography), Saaniya Sharma, Pujarini Ghosh (styling), Aishwarya Bahl (intern); Digital tech: Ashish Chandra