Showing posts with label Aishwarya Rai. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Aishwarya Rai. Show all posts

Friday, September 28, 2007

Nikita Anand did not want to join films

By Agencies

Nikita Anand is the latest in the line of beauty queens to enter the film scene from the world of ramp.

On the face of it, former Miss India Nikita, who makes her debut in Hindi films with Manish Tiwari's Dil Dosti Etc (not counting Life Mein Kabhie Kabhiee which featured her in a small role) releasing across the country today, may seem just another beauty pageant winner entering films by cashing in on the limelight coming her way.

For Nikita, however, the foray in films is a well thought out move that comes after a lot of deliberation.

''For me, after winning the Miss India crown, doing films was not a natural choice. In fact, initially, I did not want to join films as I did not have any preparation or background. I like to be confident of what I am doing before venturing into it, '' Nikita said on the eve of the release of 'Dil Dosti etc', which also marks veteran filmmaker Prakash Jha 's debut as a producer.

Said Nikita, who features in the film alongside Shreyas Talpade (of Iqbal fame), newcomers Imaad Shah (son of Naseeruddin Shah ) and Ishita Sharma and Smriti Mishra , ''you know, I cannot get into films just because others are doing so. In fact, earlier I just did not want to do films. However, a brief stint with theatre whetted my appetite for a career in films. Still, before coming in films, I wanted to do some ground work for a career in tinsel town.''

''There may be a lot of people who have not undergone a formal training in acting and yet made a successful foray in films. But, then, everyone has his or her own way of approaching things. I am basically a person who wants to be well prepared before trying my hand at something. So, I have taken my time entering films, undergoing in the meantime training in Kathak besides doing many workshops in acting,'' said Nikita.

Asked whether she felt the pressure of expectations upon her with several beauty pageant winners like Sushmita Sen , Aishwarya Rai , Lara Dutta and Priyanka Chopra establishing a niche for themselves in the tinsel town, Nikita said, ''expectations are always there from every actress who joins films. This trend of beauty pageant winners joining films started in 1994 when Sushmita Sen and Aishwarya Rai joined the industry. They were followed by Lara and Priyanka and all have been successful so obviously there will be more expectations from me too. However, I am prepared for it.''

Talking about 'Dil Dosti etc', Nikita said, ''actually, 'Dil Dosti is the first film that I signed after I decided to enter films. 'Life Mein Kabhi Kabhie' was a film I signed much later and has me just in a small role.''

About her role in the film, she said, ''I play a character called Prerna belonging to a very well to do family. She has a lot of dreams and aspirations and wants to make it big in life and become a model. She joins this college and meets Shiv and falls in love with him even though he is the total opposite of her in terms of background. But like her, Shiv is also highly ambitious in his own way.''

Incidentally, the film also features her in a kissing scene with her co-star Shreyas (who plays the role of her boyfriend Shiv). Media reports have it that Shreyas got very nervous during the kissing scene.

Source: Apun Ka Choice

Monday, September 3, 2007

Dazzling Dias

SUNIL D'CRUZ (Contributor)


In an interview with our writer in Muscat, Miss India-World Sarah-Jane Dias says she's all set to represent her country at the Miss World pageant in China.

MISS INDIA World Sarah-Jane Dias was recently on a week-long break to Muscat to visit her parents Eustace and Yolanda and sister Ellen-Rose. She had her hands full, hosting the 'Anup Jalota Live in Concert' show, attending functions meeting dignitaries, launching new vehicles and meeting her childhood friends.

At the age of 14, while at school in Muscat, she won the Miss India-Oman crown. Having won the Miss India-World 2007 title, the 24-year-old who loves music and travelling. is all set to represent India at the Miss World pageant in China.

Excerpts from an interview:

Having spent your childhood schooling in Muscat, how does it feel to be back on your first visit as Miss India-World?

It is an unreal feeling. As a child, I always had this dream, something that I would watch on TV. It's nice to come back home. Muscat will always be my home. It's nice to have friends and others coming to you, congratulating you, appreciating you. It's like a dream.

How are you preparing for the Miss World pageant?

The Miss World pageant will be held on December 1 in China. I will be leaving India for China on November 1. Right now, I am taking diction classes, catwalk classes and fitness classes in India. Everything that a Miss World contestant would need is taken care of, including hair and teeth by the experts. So I am fully equipped for the Miss World pageant.

What are the factors that contribute towards being a winner in a beauty contest?

It's not just beauty. One has to be very presentable, well spoken. But what surpasses everything is confidence.

What would be your advice to those having stage-fright?

Practice makes perfect. Keep facing the camera, keep participating, keep practicing. It will make you more comfortable.

Which of the former Miss Worlds from India, Reita Faria, Aishwarya Rai, Diana Hayden, Yukta Mookhey and Priyanka Chopra, do you look up to?

All of them. It takes a lot of courage and strength. I look up to any woman who has participated in a Miss World pageant.

You are a multi-talented personality. Singing, dancing, anchoring, acting and modelling are your passions. Which do you enjoy doing most?

(laughs) Don't make me choose. But I would say singing.

How would you look back on your stint as a VJ on Channel [V]?

It was the best job I ever had. I enjoyed every bit of the three-and-a-half years that I was on Channel [V]. They were very supportive all through and allowed me to leave the job at short notice to participate in the Miss India contest.

You are in an off-beat career, instead of a usual 9 - 5 job.

How do you look at it?

I would never be able to do a 9 - 5 job though I have the highest regard for those who do. I am a Sagittarian and am basically restless and need a change. Every day is different for me. No two days are alike.

Are you open to acting in movies?

Yes I am open to acting in Bollywood and Hollywood movies.

Who would you like to be marooned with on an island?

Bob Marley. Music is my life and will always be. Ever since I was a child, I just love music.

What are the causes would you like to take up should you win the Miss World crown?

Animals, children, senior citizens, Aids awareness. Global warming is reaching an alarmingly dangerous level. But one doesn't need to wear a crown to take up causes. I'd never say no if someone needs help.

Source: Khaleej Times Online