Mandana: People Laughed At Me And Offered Me Item Numbers
Mandana Karimi's career as an air hostess may not have taken off for lack of interest, but she is determined to soar high in Bollywood. The Iranian beauty, who has also dabbled in modelling, has two films slated for release this year -- Bhaag Johnny and Kyaa Kool Hai Hum 3. Here are excerpts from her first exclusive interview:
Mandana Karimi's career as an air hostess may not have taken off for lack of interest, but she is determined to soar high in Bollywood. The Iranian beauty, who has also dabbled in modelling, has two films slated for release this year -- Bhaag Johnny and Kyaa Kool Hai Hum 3. Here are excerpts from her first exclusive interview:
How did your Bollywood journey begin?
I was 15 when I told my mother that I want to figure out my own life. After completing my studies, I moved to Dubai where, at that point of time, air hostess training was quite popular among young girls. I joined the classes and even got the degree, but didn't fly as I lost interest in it. Soon after, I was signed up by a Hong Kong-based ad agency and shifted base. During the five years that I spent there, I received a lot of modelling offers from India. In 2010, I finally decided to come down and it has been amazing ever since. Next February, I will celebrate my third anniversary in this country.
Did you always want to be a part of Bollywood?
No, I was very shy. There was a time when I did not even step out of home without mom. But after taking up modelling, I changed. I started living and travelling alone and also had to meet a lot of people. Even then, acting was never on my mind.
Was it difficult to enter Bollywood?
It was tough. A lot of people say hard work pays off, but it's also about focus, as it's easy to get distracted in a city like Mumbai. Though I don't have any friends in the industry, some people knew me as a model and that made it easier to get audition calls. Initially, people laughed at me and all I got offered were item numbers. It took a lot of effort to find the right projects and the right people.
How did your first audition go?
I don't remember that, but I will never forget auditioning for Highway. After seeing my photographs, the casting directors mistook me for an Indian and asked me to speak in Hindi for 10 minutes. I did so and after two days, it was all over the media that Alia Bhatt had been finalised for the role.
How did you bag Bhaag Johnny and Kya Kool Hai Hum 3?
Bhaag Johnny happened almost three years ago. A different director was on board and after the auditions, he offered me the role which is now being played by Zoa Morani. Unfortunately, he was out of the project soon after.
Tell us about your new role in Bhaag Johnny...
I play a foreigner, but it's basically Kunal Khemmu and Zoa's film. Though Bhaag Johnny will release by the end of this month, Kyaa Kool Hai Hum 3 which will hit the screens in December is more like my Bollywood debut.
Why so?
I trained a lot for Kyaa Kool Hai Hum. I play a Punjabi girl and found the character quite challenging. During Bhaag Johnny, I didn't even know where the camera was placed. I was not trained at all.
How did you feel when Ekta Kapoor approached you for Kyaa Kool Hai Hum 3?
Actually, it was the other way round. Somebody I had met for a role asked me to approach Ekta. Basically, I was at the right place at the right time. Also, I was lucky to find someone like Ekta.
What is your role in the film?
I can't divulge much details, but the story revolves around me, Tusshar (Kapoor) and Aftab (Shivdasani). There is only one female lead and that is me.
Were you comfortable being part of an adult comedy film?
It was an amazing experience for me, because I got to meet people like Tusshar, who can make you laugh without doing anything. I didn't see this movie as an adult comedy. I took it up because, it made sense to me and conveys a good message.
You seem to have hit it off with Aftab and Tusshar...
Yes, we are good friends now. Aftab's wife (Nin Dusanj) was also in Thailand during the shoot and we had a lot of fun. Tusshar and Ekta are my family in Mumbai.
Which Bollywood actor do you want to act with in future?
There are many good actors, but I am a little partial towards Varun Dhawan and Ranveer Singh. That doesn't mean I don't like others. Some are good at action movies, while some excel in typical commercial flicks. There are stellar actors in offbeat films as well. I like all of them.
Your favourite Bollywood actress?
I really admire the way Kangana Ranaut has shaped her career. I remember watching Fashion and suddenly, the girl in Fashion turned into a 'Queen'. And then, she followed it up with an amazing performance in Tanu Weds Manu Returns. I hope we have more actors like her in Bollywood.
Were you subjected to casting couch?
No, I have been lucky so far and also, I keep myself away from trouble.
You have been linked with model Lalit Tehlan many times...
I don't understand why people are interested in my personal life.
Are you dating Tusshar?
These are the little games the media is playing. I don't mind it, but I don't appreciate it either.
Will we get to see you in Bigg Boss 9? Rumour has it that you have agreed to take part in the programme...
No.
Have you signed any other project after Kyaa Kool Hai Hum 3?
Yes, I have bagged a small role in an international project, which will be shot in India. But I can't talk about that now. And I have a three-film contract with Balaji Motion Pictures.
How did your Bollywood journey begin?
I was 15 when I told my mother that I want to figure out my own life. After completing my studies, I moved to Dubai where, at that point of time, air hostess training was quite popular among young girls. I joined the classes and even got the degree, but didn't fly as I lost interest in it. Soon after, I was signed up by a Hong Kong-based ad agency and shifted base. During the five years that I spent there, I received a lot of modelling offers from India. In 2010, I finally decided to come down and it has been amazing ever since. Next February, I will celebrate my third anniversary in this country.
Did you always want to be a part of Bollywood?
No, I was very shy. There was a time when I did not even step out of home without mom. But after taking up modelling, I changed. I started living and travelling alone and also had to meet a lot of people. Even then, acting was never on my mind.
Was it difficult to enter Bollywood?
It was tough. A lot of people say hard work pays off, but it's also about focus, as it's easy to get distracted in a city like Mumbai. Though I don't have any friends in the industry, some people knew me as a model and that made it easier to get audition calls. Initially, people laughed at me and all I got offered were item numbers. It took a lot of effort to find the right projects and the right people.
How did your first audition go?
I don't remember that, but I will never forget auditioning for Highway. After seeing my photographs, the casting directors mistook me for an Indian and asked me to speak in Hindi for 10 minutes. I did so and after two days, it was all over the media that Alia Bhatt had been finalised for the role.
How did you bag Bhaag Johnny and Kya Kool Hai Hum 3?
Bhaag Johnny happened almost three years ago. A different director was on board and after the auditions, he offered me the role which is now being played by Zoa Morani. Unfortunately, he was out of the project soon after.
Tell us about your new role in Bhaag Johnny...
I play a foreigner, but it's basically Kunal Khemmu and Zoa's film. Though Bhaag Johnny will release by the end of this month, Kyaa Kool Hai Hum 3 which will hit the screens in December is more like my Bollywood debut.
Why so?
I trained a lot for Kyaa Kool Hai Hum. I play a Punjabi girl and found the character quite challenging. During Bhaag Johnny, I didn't even know where the camera was placed. I was not trained at all.
How did you feel when Ekta Kapoor approached you for Kyaa Kool Hai Hum 3?
Actually, it was the other way round. Somebody I had met for a role asked me to approach Ekta. Basically, I was at the right place at the right time. Also, I was lucky to find someone like Ekta.
What is your role in the film?
I can't divulge much details, but the story revolves around me, Tusshar (Kapoor) and Aftab (Shivdasani). There is only one female lead and that is me.
Were you comfortable being part of an adult comedy film?
It was an amazing experience for me, because I got to meet people like Tusshar, who can make you laugh without doing anything. I didn't see this movie as an adult comedy. I took it up because, it made sense to me and conveys a good message.
You seem to have hit it off with Aftab and Tusshar...
Yes, we are good friends now. Aftab's wife (Nin Dusanj) was also in Thailand during the shoot and we had a lot of fun. Tusshar and Ekta are my family in Mumbai.
Which Bollywood actor do you want to act with in future?
There are many good actors, but I am a little partial towards Varun Dhawan and Ranveer Singh. That doesn't mean I don't like others. Some are good at action movies, while some excel in typical commercial flicks. There are stellar actors in offbeat films as well. I like all of them.
Your favourite Bollywood actress?
I really admire the way Kangana Ranaut has shaped her career. I remember watching Fashion and suddenly, the girl in Fashion turned into a 'Queen'. And then, she followed it up with an amazing performance in Tanu Weds Manu Returns. I hope we have more actors like her in Bollywood.
Were you subjected to casting couch?
No, I have been lucky so far and also, I keep myself away from trouble.
You have been linked with model Lalit Tehlan many times...
I don't understand why people are interested in my personal life.
Are you dating Tusshar?
These are the little games the media is playing. I don't mind it, but I don't appreciate it either.
Will we get to see you in Bigg Boss 9? Rumour has it that you have agreed to take part in the programme...
No.
Have you signed any other project after Kyaa Kool Hai Hum 3?
Yes, I have bagged a small role in an international project, which will be shot in India. But I can't talk about that now. And I have a three-film contract with Balaji Motion Pictures.
