India, Aug. 22 -- Kusha Kapila is a natural. Dripped out in denim, she effortlessly strikes a pose, catching a flattering mix of sunlight and studio lights. She flashes a smile as our eyes meet between shots, only to slip back in focus when the lens swings her way again. Just like that. And oh, the camera's loving her, every step of the way. How does one make elevated basics, you know, elevated? I wonder as she casually eases into another pose, wind machine blowing her hair back, while making jeans look really good.

It's late afternoon by the time we sit down for our chat, and she's had quite the day, but none of that or the fact that she's PMSing, a commonality I address as I enter the dressing room after her cover shoot, colours the co...