By Anita Aikara
Monikangana, the dusky model from Assam, speaks about her role in Guzaarish, working with stalwarts and taking a break from modelling.
Launch Vehicle
I play Estella Francis in Guzaarish. I could easily relate to the character as it is very much like what I have been through in my personal life. When Sanjay Leela Bhansali narrated the character to me, I immediately agree to do it and took a sabbatical from modelling. I had to learn to perform magic for the film. During my childhood, when I was in Assam, I watched well-known magician P.C. Sarkar’s show on television. I thought it would be really difficult to perform the magical tricks but now after a little practice I will totally disagree. Performing magical tricks is like a child’s game once you get the hang of it.
Casting Coup
Sanjay had seen me walk the ramp for designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee. He had also seen a couple of my photos in some magazines. When I got a call from his office, I thought there would be an audition for the role. But when I reached the place, I was surprised to know that apart from the casting director and Sanjay, there was no one else. Sanjay asked me to enact a scene, which I successfully did. Soon after that I was chosen for the role.
Stepping-Stone
I have not done anything besides modelling before this. Guzaarish is my debut film, but I have received many plum and promising movie offers in the past. At that time I was not interested as I was very happy with the way my modelling career was shaping up. But when Sanjay called me, I decided to take a risk. I have always planned everything in my life. So for once I decided to go with the flow.
First Shot
It was a solo outdoor shot in Goa. There were no dialogues and all I was required to do was to look into the camera and give different expressions. I was a little nervous. My father used to tell me ‘do what you want but do justice to it’, so I gave it my best shot. But thankfully the scene went off well.
Stumbling-Block
Thanks to the support and encouragement, I received from my director and co-stars Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, I have only good things to cherish. I do not believe in destiny, but think it was my good karma that paid off and I got a chance to work with the trio. Hrithik is a beautiful person and helped me immensely during the shoots. I remember once when I reached the sets, Aishwarya was already there. When she saw me, she waved. I had not expected a superstar like her, to give any kind of importance to me. As for Sanjay, each of his films look like a painting. His vision is amazing and he is a one-man show.
Lessons Learnt
I have realised that fame is short-lived and one needs to work really hard to sustain in the industry. What stays with each one of us at the end of the day, is how you respond to people around you. Aishwarya and Hrithik taught me, by their actions, to treat people on the sets with respect. For me, this film has been like winning an Oscar.
Matinee Idol
I do not idolise any actor. But if given a chance, I would love to work with Shekhar Kapur in the future.
Future Projects
I have taken a break from modelling so that I would dedicate my time to acting. I will continue looking out for good roles in Bollywood, that is my agenda. I admit that I have taken a big risk by getting into acting. I was well-established as an international model, while in Bollywood, I am just a newbie. But, as of now I’m waiting for the right projects to come my way.
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