Carol Gracias is an Indian supermodel and businesswoman, who participated in the first season of the Hindi TV reality show ‘Bigg Boss’ in 2006. She made headlines with her wardrobe malfunction incident at the Lakmé Fashion Week (2006) held in Mumbai.
Wiki/Biography
Carol Maria Gracias was born on Thursday, 28 December 1978 (age 43 years; as of 2021) in Mumbai.
Her zodiac sign is Capricorn. She did her schooling at Apostolic Carmel School, Mumbai. She then attended St Andrew’s College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Mumbai.
Physical Appearance
Height: 5′ 10″
Weight (approx.): 60 kg
Hair Colour: Dark Brown
Eye Colour: Black
Body Measurements (approx.): 36-30-34
Family
She belongs to an East Indian Maharashtrian Catholic family.
Parents & Siblings
Her father’s name is Ronnie Gracias.
Husband & Children
In 2013, she got married to her long-time boyfriend Sameul Ziza in Goa, who is a French journalist and businessman. The couple followed Jewish and Christian wedding rituals. In 2016, the couple welcomed a baby boy named Gabriel Ziza.
Relationships/Affairs
While she was in ‘Bigg Boss’ (2006), her name was linked with her co-contestant Ravi Kishan (actor and politician). In an interview, while talking about it, Carol said,
During the show, people linked Ravi Kishan and me but I don’t care. I guess because of Ravi’s reputation and his other link ups, they decided to link us up. People don’t realize that he has a wife and three children.”
Career
Modelling
Carol started her career as a model. In 1998, she participated in a beauty contest and won ‘The Look Of The Year’ title in the sub-contest. In an interview, while talking about the pageant, she said,
I took part in a pageant called ‘The Look of The Year’, just to be financially independent. My dad told me that if you earn your own money you can go out and live your life your way, so that’s exactly what I set out to do. After winning that, I went to Nice and Milan, before coming back to India to work. My career path wasn’t planned, but it worked out because of a solid mix of luck and hard work.”
She has walked the ramp for ace fashion designers at various fashion shows.
She has worked in print advertisements for various brands like Philips, Moksh Jewellery, Levi’s, and Liberty. In 2016, she was applauded for walking the ramp with a big baby bump for the Hyderabad-based fashion designer Gaurang Shah at the Lakmé Fashion Week. In an interview, while talking about it, she said,
I have been doing his shows for many years now, so this time as usual he called and asked if he could book me. I told him I was pregnant and he still asked if I would walk for the show. So, I gave it a thought, and realised that the clothes to be showcased are meant for all kinds of women…I thought if the designer would like me in his show, then why not? I really enjoyed the experience.”
Film
In 2005, she did a cameo in the Indian (English) film ‘Being Cyrus’ in which she played the role of a beggar girl.
In the same year, she was featured in the song “Right Here Right Now” from the Hindi film ‘Bluffmaster.’
In 2015, she appeared in the song “We Go Party” from the Hindi film ‘Aisa Yeh Jahaan.’
Television
In 2006, she participated as a contestant in the TV reality show ‘Bigg Boss’ season 1 along with other celebrities like Rakhi Sawant, Rahul Roy, and Ravi Kishan. She finished as the first runner-up in the show.
In 2009, Carol participated in the stunt-based TV reality show ‘Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi 2’ in which she was the second runner-up.
Business
In 2016, she moved to Goa from Mumbai with her family. There, she started a contemporary French restaurant ‘Izumi Assagao’ and a three-suite guest house ‘Botanique.’
Controversy
Wardrobe Malfunction
In 2006, she made headlines for her wardrobe malfunction at the Lakmé Fashion Week. While she was walking the ramp, her halter top slipped off and completely exposed her body. She maintained calm, and after holding her top with her hands, she completed the walk. The audience present at the show applauded Carol for her professionalism. Later, the video went viral in media, and she received both positive and negative feedback for the incident. After the incident, a social activist named Prakash Rajdev registered an FIR against Carol and the organisers of the show for indulging in “nudity and obscenity,” which is considered an offence under section 294 of the Indian Penal Code. After an investigation by the local police, the organisers and Carol were given a clean chit.
A scene was included in the Hindi film ‘Fashion’ (2008) based on Carol’s top-slip incident. The scene was picturised on the character played by Kangana Ranaut in the film.
Unprofessional Behaviour
In 2011, Carol was supposed to walk for a fashion show for the fashion house Kimaya in Mumbai. Even after making a commitment, Carol did not show up on the final day of the event. In an interview, while talking about the incident, the chairman of the fashion house said,
All the clothes were made to fit Carol and we were shocked when she didn’t show up on the final day. Her phone was also unreachable and there was no explanation from her end.”
Favourites
- Fashion Designer: Rajesh Pratap Singh
- Fashion House: Valentino
Salary/Income
In 2011, she used to charge Rs. 50,000 for a show.
Facts/Trivia
- She loves to read books, do swimming, and spend quality time with her family whenever she is free.
- Carol has been featured on the cover of various fashion magazines.
- She is often spotted drinking alcohol at parties and events.
- She follows a non-vegetarian diet.
- In an interview, she shared her daily skincare routine. She said,
My skincare routine is fairly basic – I use a lot of virgin coconut oil and aloe vera on my skin, the Himalaya Neem Face Wash, Kiehl’s Vitamin C Concentrate and organic rose water on hot days. I believe in working on my skin and health from the inside, and for this I make a ‘golden paste’ – it’s a mix of fresh turmeric, honey, cardamom, cinnamon and pepper. My son and I have it for all its anti-inflammatory, immunity-boosting benefits. That and a shot of lemon first thing in the morning…pretty much sums it up.”