From Aligarh Fields to Fashion Runways: The Story of Nitin Kumar
In a small village in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, Nitin Kumar, known as Katil Model, was born into a farming family. While his peers were expected to follow traditional paths, Nitin harbored a dream that seemed out of place in his surroundings. He envisioned himself walking the ramp for top fashion designers, clad in confidence and boundless possibility.
Facing Ridicule and Financial Hardships
Nitin's aspirations came at a steep price. When he practiced his ramp walk or experimented with his style, he faced open mockery and laughter from his community. In an environment where ambition is often tied to conformity, his desire to become a fashion model was viewed as strange and unacceptable.
At just 19 years old, Nitin took on multiple jobs to survive. He worked as a security guard in Dwarka, Delhi, enduring grueling 12-hour shifts that left him physically and mentally drained. "By the end of the day, I was so tired that I had no time to think about anything else," he recalls. He eventually quit, hoping to focus on modeling, but financial reality struck hard. He lacked funds for portfolios, grooming, or agency fees, forcing him to prioritize survival.
Perseverance Through Adversity
His next job was at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, where long hours and hard work became his routine. However, a sense of restlessness grew, fueled by the fear that his modeling dream might never materialize. Nitin made another tough decision, leaving that job for one in Noida with an eight-hour shift and Sundays off. This position, though unglamorous, provided him with something precious: time.
On his days off, Nitin dedicated himself to his goal. He searched for modeling opportunities online, practiced his walk, studied poses, and worked on building his physique and confidence. Despite his disciplined efforts, success remained elusive. His father, unhappy with his choices, called him back home to help with farming. Even in the fields, Nitin continued to practice, enduring more laughter and taunts. "Kabhi kuch nahi kar payega," he heard repeatedly from those around him.
Inspiration and Breakthrough
What kept Nitin motivated were stories of models like Jeet Gurjar and Apeksha Rajput, who rose from humble beginnings to make their mark in the industry. Their journeys reinforced his belief that one's starting point does not dictate their destination. Undeterred, Nitin practiced daily, improved his posture, and focused on social media, posting videos and reels in hopes of being noticed. Initially, he received only offers that demanded money, which he couldn't afford.
He then reactivated his account with a new strategy, sharing daily vlogs about his struggles and journey. This honesty began to resonate with people. His first break came with a show in Dwarka, where he borrowed ₹1,000 from a friend to participate. His performance impressed the organizers, leading to another show without any payment required.
Steady Progress and Future Aspirations
From there, Nitin's progress was gradual but consistent. He started getting shows with small designers who didn't ask for money, allowing him to build a portfolio he couldn't have afforded otherwise. "I still have a long way to go," Nitin admits, despite having done shoots for major brands like Amazon, ZARA, and Adidas, and being paid for his work. "I want to become a supermodel. Now I know that if you stay consistent with something, you will definitely achieve it."
For a young man once told he would never amount to anything, this unwavering belief represents a quiet yet powerful victory, proving that perseverance can defy all odds.
