Once a dazzling star lighting up the fashion runways from Milan to Paris, London to New York, Cameron Alborzian was a name that echoed through the glamorous world of high fashion. Known as one of the most celebrated top models on the planet, he decided one day to step away from the glitz and the flashing cameras. Tired of the fast-paced life of fashion, he set out on a quieter, more meaningful path—one that would lead him to become Yogi Cameron, a man dedicated to wellness and inner peace.

Back in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Alborzian climbed to fame as a groundbreaking male supermodel. He wasn’t just another face in the crowd—he worked with legendary fashion houses that shaped the industry, like Jean-Paul Gaultier, Chanel, and Versace. From walking their runways to starring in their major ad campaigns, he became a household name in the modeling world. With his sharp, striking features and a charm that couldn’t be ignored, people started calling him one of the very first male "supermodels." It was a title that stuck because he truly redefined what it meant to be a male model during that era.

Cameron Alborzian, who the world now knows as Yogi Cameron, originally hails from Iran but grew up in Britain. Beyond his modeling career, he’s become an Ayurvedic practitioner and a passionate advocate for living well. One of his standout moments came in the 1990s when he appeared alongside Madonna in her iconic music video “Express Yourself.” That role put him in the spotlight in a whole new way. But fame wasn’t his endgame. Eventually, he turned his back on the fashion industry and traveled to India to dive deep into the studies of Ayurveda and Yoga. Today, he’s written four books about well-being and journeys across the globe, speaking to people, coaching them, and sharing advice on how to live longer, healthier lives using Ayurvedic practices. His mission is simple: help others find balance and wellness in their everyday routines.

Life threw him a curveball when a close friend and mentor in naturopathy passed away. That loss hit him hard and pushed him to seek something deeper. He signed up for the Integral Yoga and Yogaville teacher training in New York, eager to learn more about yoga’s healing power. Around the same time, he also took a reflexology masters course at the Open Center in New York City. These experiences opened his eyes to a world beyond the runway, setting the stage for the incredible transformation that was to come.

By the late 1990s, Cameron packed his bags and headed to India, a land that would soon captivate his heart. He was drawn in by the vibrant culture, the colors, the sounds, and the ancient wisdom that seemed to flow through every corner. There, he continued his studies at the Arsha Yoga Vidya Peetham Trust in Coimbatore, soaking up lessons in yoga and meditation. Day by day, he grew more connected to the practices that would define his new life.

The influence of Sanatan Dharma, the eternal way of life rooted in Hinduism, changed everything for Cameron Alborzian. He didn’t just adopt these teachings for himself—he embraced Hinduism alongside his family. Together, they made the bold decision to settle in India, marking the start of a fresh chapter. It was here that he began his journey as Yogi Cameron, practicing yoga, Ayurveda, and meditation with a passion that radiated to those around him.

In recent years, Cameron has become a shining example for Indian-Americans who want to reclaim yoga and Ayurveda from the West’s commercial grip. Once dubbed the first male supermodel and a longtime friend of stars like Madonna and Ellen DeGeneres, he’s now a star therapist with a heartfelt goal. He wants to ‘give back’ to Kerala, the southern Indian state where he honed his skills. To him, Kerala is a treasure chest of knowledge and faith, a place the world needs to know more about. As he puts it, “Kerala has such a rich history of knowledge and successful medical stories, but the world is missing out on a tremendous culture.” His words carry weight, reflecting his deep respect for the region. The Hindu

Recognizing his dedication, Kerala named Cameron Alborzian—the man behind Yogi Cameron—a goodwill ambassador to spread the word about yoga and Ayurveda. It’s a role he’s perfect for, not just because of his noble intentions but also because of his unique journey.

For one, Cameron Alborzian adds a heavy dose of celebrity appeal to Kerala’s global promotion of Yoga and Ayurveda. His past life in the fashion industry is nothing short of remarkable. As a supermodel, he graced the runways of the most prestigious brands in the world, including Valentino, Versace, Chanel, and Dior. His chiseled features and effortless charm made him a favorite in the fashion world, and he became a well-recognized face in leading magazines such as Vogue and Elle. His contemporaries were none other than Naomi Campbell, Christy Turlington, and Kate Moss, and he shared professional relationships with industry legends Karl Lagerfeld and John Galliano.

Despite leaving the world of glamour behind, Cameron continues to maintain his presence in the media. He has made appearances on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, The Dr. Oz Show, and Access Hollywood, using his platform to educate people on holistic healing and the benefits of Ayurveda and Yoga. Even as he transitioned into a completely different life, his association with influential figures ensured that his mission of spreading awareness about Indian healing traditions reached a wide audience.

Currently, Cameron is putting the final touches on a documentary that follows two Americans who travel to India to seek treatment for “typical Western diseases like insomnia and nervous disorders” using none other than the age-old practices of Ayurveda and Yoga. Through this film, he aims to showcase how these traditional Indian practices can offer solutions to modern health challenges that have become rampant in the West due to stress, poor lifestyle choices, and unhealthy habits.

A Devoted Practitioner Amidst the Yoga Controversy

Cameron’s deep reverence for Kerala and its ancient healing traditions sets him apart from many Western practitioners who have integrated Indian methods into their wellness businesses. His commitment makes him an outlier in the American pack that has been accused of appropriating Indian traditions, leading to protests from organizations like the Hindu American Foundation, which have raised the critical question—“Who owns yoga?”

Acknowledging this issue, Cameron states, “There is a lot more to yoga than what we know in the West.” His perspective is that Yoga should not be viewed merely as a fitness regimen but as a deeply spiritual and philosophical practice that must be understood in its entirety.

At 44 years old, Cameron has also authored a book titled The Guru in You, which serves as an introduction to Yoga and Ayurveda, guiding readers toward a more holistic approach to well-being. His work emphasizes self-discipline, awareness, and the connection between body and mind, reinforcing his belief that these practices should be embraced in their original and authentic form rather than diluted for commercial appeal.

While Cameron’s transformation may seem extraordinary, he is not the first model to pivot towards Yoga teaching in the United States, where Yoga is practiced by an estimated 15 million people. Figures like Tara Stiles, who has gained recognition with followers such as Jane Fonda and Deepak Chopra, have also taken this path. Similarly, the Yoga industry has seen the rise of well-known celebrity teachers like Baron Baptiste, David Life, Sharon Gannon, and Bikram Choudhary.

However, what sets Cameron apart from the rest is his expertise in Ayurveda. Unlike many other practitioners, he insists that Yoga and Ayurveda are inseparable and should always be taught together. “Ayurveda is all about habits, lifestyle, and the body. Yoga is all about the mind and self-realization. How can you separate the two?” he argues. This perspective underscores his belief that true healing and wellness cannot be achieved by focusing on only one aspect of human existence. Instead, a complete transformation requires a balance of physical discipline through Ayurveda and mental discipline through Yoga.

A Life Dedicated to Healing

Having grown up in Iran and England, Cameron now spends most of his time traveling across the world, offering his guidance as a live-in health consultant to clients seeking a lifestyle overhaul. His approach is deeply immersive—he moves in with his clients, monitors their habits, and prescribes strict lifestyle changes. Those who seek his expertise must adhere to his disciplined regimen, which includes:

• A vegetarian diet with no exceptions
• A strict ban on alcohol
• Pancha Karma treatments, which involve Ayurvedic detox therapies such as herbal remedies, massages, and enemas
• Daily practice of Yamas, Niyamas, and Dharanas (ethical principles and meditative techniques in Yoga)

For these intensive services, Cameron is said to charge up to £500 per hour. His clientele consists of individuals who are willing to go beyond conventional medicine to achieve long-term health through traditional Indian practices.

The Influence of Arsha Yoga Vidya Peetam

Cameron’s deep knowledge of Yamas and Pancha Karma treatments can be traced back to his rigorous training at Arsha Yoga Vidya Peetam near Palakkad in Kerala. His journey was guided by his guru, V. Vasudevan, the director of the institution, which has been a hub for foreign seekers of traditional Indian wisdom since the 1980s.

Despite his global fame, Cameron remains a dedicated student, fully committed to his path. The faculty at Arsha Yoga Vidya Peetam acknowledges his celebrity status, but they also admire his humility and patience. “Cameron waits patiently, sometimes up to 3-4 hours for sessions,” remarks P.N. Hari, deputy director at Arsha Yoga. His willingness to learn and his respect for traditional teachings distinguish him from many Western practitioners who often commercialize Yoga without understanding its deeper essence.

Cameron Alborzian deeply values the discipline and dedication that come with studying at Arsha Yoga Vidya Peetam. For him, learning at the institution was not just about acquiring knowledge but undergoing a real apprenticeship, a transformative experience that tests one’s commitment. He explains, “They want to know how committed you are—is it a phase? To a Westerner, two, four or eight years of training is a lot, but in the East, it’s just a start.” His words reflect the profound difference in mindset between the East and the West when it comes to spiritual and holistic practices. While in the West, a few years of training might seem exhaustive, in the traditional Eastern way, this is merely the foundation of a lifelong journey.

For Cameron, Ayurveda and Yoga have become the pursuits of a lifetime, a path he chose after leaving behind the world of fashion. His entry into the modeling industry was unexpected—after dropping out of school, a scout discovered him on the streets, and before he knew it, he was working with Jean-Paul Gaultier, one of the most influential haute couture designers in the world. His success was immediate, and he soon landed a three-season campaign with Guess Jeans, a breakthrough that propelled him further into the limelight.

His face became even more recognizable when he was cast in Madonna’s famous music video, "Express Yourself," where he played the role of the singer’s love interest. By 1988, Cameron had firmly established himself as a leading figure in the fashion industry, modeling for some of the most iconic designers and brands across the globe.

However, ten years later, Cameron made the bold decision to step away from everything he had built. The defining moment came after a meeting with Nelson Mandela, a conversation that changed his outlook on success and purpose. Reflecting on that turning point, he says, “I realised that I couldn’t attain a higher level of success in fashion than I already had.” At that moment, he knew he had reached the pinnacle of his modeling career, but instead of chasing more fame and fortune, he sought something deeper—a higher path beyond materialistic success.

Ayurveda: The Key to a Balanced Life

Since embracing Ayurveda, Cameron has found a profound transformation in his physical and mental well-being. He describes how the holistic lifestyle has reshaped his daily habits, bringing clarity, stability, and an improved sense of health. “Living the ayurveda way has simply helped me to be healthier, more grounded, and more focused in my day-to-day life.”

One of the major changes he has adopted is his diet, which he credits for his exceptional health. Unlike many who follow conventional Western eating habits, Cameron follows a structured, mindful approach to food. He believes that moderation is key and adheres to a disciplined routine. Cameron says he rarely gets sick, attributing his strong health to eating little and only twice a day. His diet consists of yogurt, rice, vegetables, fresh and dried fruits, milk, cheese, and legumes. He follows nature’s rhythm by consuming only seasonal foods and avoids overindulgence in a wide variety of dishes. “Eating too many varieties of food will bring on health issues. So I eat the same foods that are in season,” he explains.

However, even the most disciplined Yogi has his moments of indulgence. Cameron admits that he has a particular weakness—chocolate. “I have always had a bit of a sweet tooth,” he confesses. This small but relatable detail highlights that even those deeply immersed in spiritual and holistic living still retain their personal preferences and enjoy small pleasures in life.

The Ultimate Shift to Sanatan Dharma

Cameron Alborzian’s transformation from the world’s No.1 top male model to a committed Yogi and Ayurveda practitioner is not just a career shift—it is a spiritual awakening. He found inspiration in Sanatan Dharma, realizing that the material world could not offer the kind of fulfillment that the ancient Indian way of life could provide. His dedication led him to leave behind his glamorous modeling career and embrace a higher path that focuses on self-realization, balance, and healing.

His story is a powerful testament to the eternal wisdom of Sanatan Dharma, which teaches that true success is not measured by external achievements but by inner peace, self-discipline, and alignment with the natural order of life. Indeed, Sanatan Dharma is a way of life. 🚩

Interview Excerpts

How did you become a yogi?

On my first visit to India to study, I realized I had “come home.” You know that familiar inner feeling of knowing that words can’t express? That’s the feeling I had. I took to the teachings and the practice as if I had already known them my whole life. Living in Iran for the first ten years of my life was a prelude to this lifestyle, as the medicine systems are quite similar. But at some point, during the next few visits back to India (which I still do two to three times a year) I started to live the Yogic life and take on the lifestyle. I also met other Yogis on trips to the Himalayas and caves, which inspired me to want to know more. Now I have a Guru and follow a particular path with my wife Yogini Jaima.

Tell us about your experience studying Ayurveda and yoga in India.

You know how when you paint your home it feels very light and fresh, but if you gut it and totally renovate it, the house gives you a whole new experience. My experience was one of ‘renovation and transforming’ into a more soulful version of who Cameron was. Learning about the mind and body gains you valuable knowledge, and as you put them into practice, your body starts to change at a cellular level while your mind is transforming higher into a more evolved state. This study gives you the tools to live a balanced life with nature but to also know which herbal medicines and treatments to perform when the body has an ailment.

Please share some practical tips for those who are looking to incorporate mindfulness into their daily routines.

There is much confusion about how to be well in our society. This has become a complicated and over compartmentalized process. I would always recommend starting by simplifying your life: have less, do less, talk less, breathe less, eat less. The less you do, the better you will feel.

How can yoga and Ayurveda therapy change someone’s life?

It guides a person back to balance. Brings the body and mind into a state of homeostasis so the nervous system can be at ease, the digestion is strong, sleep is regulated, and, if the body and mind are suffering, in any way to allow them to come into a place of healing.

What is the most rewarding part about being a yogi and teaching people about Ayurveda?

Seeing people’s quality of life elevate as well as people managing or healing their body. Being able to live a daily routine with spiritual rituals. Being able to manage their thoughts and understand life beyond the surface level. Go deeper into the meaning of life and understand oneself.

What advice do you have for those who are new to yoga and Ayurveda and want to incorporate it into their daily lives?

Treat it with reverence and always ask the Divine for guidance from within your heart. Yoga is not just physical movements but a dance of consciousness. It needs attention and your love from within so it reveals the secrets it holds.

You are the author of several books regarding wellness. How was the process of writing each book?

Writing for me is birthing ancient ideas, concepts, and philosophies from the conscious and subconscious onto paper. At times, it involves the unconscious that brings the brilliance that the mind can’t grasp. The process sometimes requires stillness and other times it needs so much energy. But the best writing comes when I mentally leave the process and a state of ‘being’ takes over and it all becomes effortless.

Share an instance where Ayurveda played a transformative role in your own life.

99% of the ailments or imbalances that I have had in the last 20 years I have used Ayurvedic medicine or Yogic practices to heal or cleanse with. Even when getting Covid I used different practices of inhaling salt water and pushing it out of the nostrils to clear the respiratory system. Or, I used an ancient formula called Triphala, which cleans out the GI and digestive tract. We actually have one you can read about at www.108.health.

Tell us about your experience of being a major fashion model in the 1990s.

It was a beautiful and creative time, meeting wonderful people and traveling around the world. There really wasn’t any other work that was so stimulating and exciting. Being in different cities working on shoots and videos, events, and galas- it was the high life and very satisfying. I really loved meeting and working with all the creative people I interacted or became friends with.

What is one of your favorite memories of working in the fashion industry in the 1990s?

Of-course, working with Madonna on her “Express Yourself” video was a big highlight as she made everything fun and creative. But also working with Versace in South Africa at Nelson Mandela’s home and doing the video with Elton John and Kate Moss to celebrate and commemorate the life of Princes Diana, were great moments. It all brings back so many good memories.

Source

https://www.photobookmagazine.com/features/yogi-cameron