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'I'm here to sell my talent, not myself'
Bollywood is going to get a taste of new talent in the form of Anjali Pandey.
Pandey, who hails from Raniket, Uttranchal, hopes to make a shift from the world of modelling to the glamorous world of cinema.
The young girl hails from a very educated family. Her father is a pediatrician while her mother has done a masters degree in Zoology. Her brother is studying in the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee.
Pandey herself is well qualified -- she has got herself a bachelors degree in Computer Application.
She tells Nithya Ramani what attracted her to Bollywood.
How did ad films happen?
My friends told me I looked like a model and that I should try my hand at that. I got my portfolio done and moved to Mumbai three years ago.
My first ad was Seagrams Imperial Blue with Prasoon Pandey and since then, there has been no turning back. I have done about 30 ads and want to get into films now.
Were films an eventuality?
After ads, yes. I always saw myself as an actor and ad films were a medium to get there. But I cannot talk about my new film project yet. The producers have yet to make an official announcement.
'My parents didn't want me to take up this line'
Your family is highly educated. What made you join the glamour industry instead of following in their footsteps?
Everyone asks me that. All I can say is that I am doing what I wanted to. This gives me a thrill. I cannot think of a 9 to 5 pm job or sit idle. I like working continuously, wearing nice and glamourous clothes, meeting people and interacting with them.
How do they react you decision?
They're the best critics. They didn't want me to take up this line but they are supportive of what I do. According to them, academics is of utmost priority. But since this is what I want to do, they will support me.
'I prefer light romantic films'
Have you been getting film offers earlier?
Yes. But I have been choosy.
What kind of films do you want to do?
I prefer light romantic films. But I would want to do all kinds of films. I don't want to limit myself. I would like to experiment with period films.
What do you look for when you select a film?
The script matters the most. The director or banner come after that.
Have you taken any acting lessons?
No. I got a lot of experience from the ads I did. I learnt a lot.
But I have learnt kathak in school. Singing is hereditary. Everybody in my family sings.
'Television is very taxing'
Did you have to struggle initially in Mumbai?
No, I didn't have to. Things kept happening for me. I live with my sister, who is a television actor. She's in Ladlee.
But I didn't have any friends earlier, for about six months. Once my first ad did well, I started getting more offers and then I made friends in the ad world.
Why didn't you think of television since your sister is in Ladlee?
No way! I think TV is very taxing. I can't work for 18-20 hours.
'I am too shy to wear a bikini'
Do you think casting couch exists in our industry? Do you know anyone who has experienced anything?
I don't believe in the casting couch. There is always an option and it is up to you to choose the right option. I am here to sell my talent, not myself.
Do you think skin show is important?
It's the market demand, and an individual's decision. If you are comfortable, then you should. I am too shy to wear a bikini. I don't think I can carry it off.
What are your favourite films?
Jab We Met, Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge, Hum Aapke Hai Koun...!, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Love Actually, P S I Love You and 27 Dresses.
Who are your favourite stars?
Shah Rukh Khan and Madhuri Dixit.