Bengaluru’s Riza to walk ramp in the US

Rithu Dravid | NT
Bengaluru

Riza Reji is in the seventh heaven. The model with Down Syndrome will attend the Global Down Syndrome Foundation’s annual fashion show - Be Beautiful, Be Yourself - in Denver in the United States on November 12, 2022.

What makes her achievement special is the fact that Riza is the only model from India to be selected to the pageant. The annual event is considered as the world's largest fund-raising event for Down Syndrome.

Riza, 23, was selected after an online audition in February wherein she opted for an Indo-Western outfit with a short ramp walk. Riza, who trained under Rachna Prasad and Diana Tholoor of the Chrysalis Performing Art Centre in the city, says she was surprised to get the selection.

"I will be travelling to Denver with my parents and cousin in November. I am yet to decide on my costume and fashion choices for the finals," she said, and added that she has the ability to showcase her talents in contemporary dance, art work and fashion.

Riza’s mother, Anita Reji is the co-founder of Beautiful Together, a Bengaluru- based foundation that empowers people with special needs and disability. She says Riza is very emotive and does not mask herself behind disability. "She is a good actor and loves to venture into artistic space," she said.