In an industry now dominated by model-turned-actresses, Priyanka Pereira scours some more hopefuls

Natasha Suri
Bhaag Johnny
After modelling for several years, acting is a natural progression,” says Natasha Suri who strongly believes that anyone who is talented and good-looking can easily make it to films. After Suri won the coveted Miss India title in 2006, she has been flooded with offers, but she chose to go slow. “I had modeling offers to sustain myself. So I took a while before I signed my first film,” says Suri. Bhaag Johnny directed by Deepak Tijori is an action flick and has an ensemble cast of debutants. “I have always been fond of thrillers and stylish action films.” And her debut which has all the elements seems like a perfect start.

Monikangana Dutta
Guzaarish
Monikangana Dutta, it seems, has discovered a treasure trove of sorts, by bagging her Bollywood debut with Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Hrithik Roshan. “I have been a huge admirer of Sanjay Bhansali’s work. When he asked me if I would do the film, I was overwhelmed,” says Dutta, who immediately agreed. “Sanjay explained the role to me briefly and I consented, without thinking twice.” Dutta was flooded with film offers, from the time she started modeling. “Filmmakers were ready to pay me a huge sum. But I did not see myself as an actress,” she admits. It was Atul Kasbekar and other friends who inspired her. “I joined Anupam Kher’s acting class, which helped,” she says, excited about the star cast of Guzaarish. “Soon I shall go through the grind of dance classes,” she smiles.

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