Anusha Dandekar on fashion, reality TV, and why MTV will always be her ‘safe space’

The VJ-actor-singer talks about the second season of ‘Supermodel of the Year,’ working with contestants from different walks of life, and more

Anusha Dandekar is a name synonymous with fashion, music and MTV in India; such has been the VJ, singer and actor’s influence on television over the better part of the last two decades.. and counting. The Indian-Australian’s contribution towards shaping the pop-culture zeitgeist in the country right from the early 2000s cannot be underestimated, and numerous hit shows stand testimony to her influence.

Her latest project is the second season of MTV Supermodel of the Year, where she is a judge alongside Malaika Arora and Milind Soman. After a successful first season, this sophomore effort, with #UnapologeticallyYou as the theme, is meant to be a statement for aspiring fashionistas to embrace their individuality and be themselves.

Talking to us over a video call, Anusha finds time to have a quick conversation on what MTV is hoping to achieve with the show, the pressures of being a reality show judge today, and if the pandemic has influenced her (and our) fashion sensibilities.