In a tale of cultural exploration, Sofya, a former Russian model turned Seema Ladhka Devidasi, has chosen the spiritual town of Vrindavan, Mathura, as her home. Attracted by the mysticism and minimalism of Indian life, Seema has traded the glamorous runways of Russia for the sacred streets of Vrindavan, where she’s embraced a simple lifestyle deeply rooted in Hindu culture. However, her idyllic life isn’t without its challenges, and in a recent interview, Seema opened up about her discomfort with the ‘disturbing stares’ she encounters from local men.
A Journey of Spiritual Awakening
Seema, born Sofya, left behind a career in modeling and the comforts of her home in Russia to settle in the sacred city of Vrindavan in 2022. Her story is one of fascination with India’s spiritual essence, a love that began when she first read the Bhagavad Gita at the age of 13. That was the beginning of a lifelong journey that led her to India in 2014, where she initially came to learn the traditional Odissi dance of Odisha.
However, her calling wasn’t limited to dance. “After learning about the richness of the Bhagavad Gita and the timeless wisdom of Indian culture, I knew my soul belonged here,” she shared in an interview. Seema has since dedicated herself to Hindu practices and rituals, spending her days immersed in prayer, dance, and devotion.
Russian Model Sofya’s Journey to Seema in Vrindavan
Embracing her new life wholeheartedly, Sofya adopted the name Seema Ladhka Devidasi, a testament to her spiritual devotion. Although she still acknowledges her roots as a model, her life in Vrindavan has pushed her to take a long break from her career in modeling, choosing instead to focus on the Odissi dance and her spiritual growth. She’s even performed in many temple programs across Mathura, living out her devotion through the art of dance.
The ‘Disturbing Stares’ of Indian Men
While Seema is at peace with the simple, spiritual life she’s built for herself, her experiences as a foreigner in India haven’t been without frustration. During her interview, she revealed an unsettling side of her time in Vrindavan: the constant, lingering stares from local men.
“Sometimes I get very irritated when Indian boys stare at me,” Seema shared candidly. “Once, while I was in Himachal, a man started following me. He was on a video call with his family and told them, ‘Look, she’s an Englishwoman, and she’s wearing a sari.’ I got so angry that I called him crazy in Hindi. He ran away after that!”
This incident, while amusing in hindsight, highlights the uncomfortable reality many female travelers face in India. Though she loves the culture and the people of India, these stares are a harsh reminder that being a foreigner, especially a woman, often comes with unwanted attention.
Living the Simple Life in Vrindavan
Despite the occasional discomfort, Seema remains firmly dedicated to her life in Vrindavan. Her days are filled with spiritual practices, and she continues to immerse herself in learning the traditional dance form of Odissi. “I’ve always been drawn to the Bhagavad Gita and Indian culture,” she shared. “This is why I chose to settle in Mathura rather than Odisha, even though my journey began with a desire to learn the dance.”
Her love for India goes beyond the spiritual—Seema appreciates the simplicity of life here, where materialism is left behind for a more minimalistic, peaceful existence. While her time in Vrindavan may have temporarily pulled her away from modeling, her devotion to Hindu culture has given her life a new, fulfilling direction.
A Tale of Devotion and Challenges
Seema’s story is a beautiful mix of devotion, culture, and self-discovery. As a former Russian model turned spiritual devotee, she has chosen the path less traveled, fully embracing India’s spiritual traditions. But along with the serenity she’s found, there are moments of discomfort—most notably, the disturbing stares of local men that remind her of the challenges that come with being a foreign woman in India.
Still, Seema remains resilient, continuing her journey of spiritual growth while navigating the occasional difficulties with grace. As she beautifully puts it: “This is my chosen path, and nothing can take that away from me.”