Maushmi Udeshi is the sparkle eyed “Noorie” of the refreshing Nescafe add. Who doesn't remember her in Bally Sagoo's 'Noorie' and Nitin Bali's 'Neele Neele Amber Par'? The lissome beauty now wants to be a name in the film industry. Mega Modelz caught her as candid as it gets with heartfelt comments on her Life and the ongoing struggle to make it big!
MegaModelz: How would you define yourself?
Maushmi Udeshi : I would call myself as a total workaholic! I work very hard and thus I am where I am all because of myself. I take life seriously but I do like to unwind by a day off at least in a week when I just sleep it off. Movie watching, ofcourse, is another serious passion as I watch films on DVD while I am exercising.
MM : As we know from modeling to acting seems to span a spectrum tell us about your career path.
MU : To start with, I am a trained dancer in Bharatnatyam. Modeling happened to me in college and I feel it is a good start for someone like me who does not come from film background. Moreover, for making it in the industry, slow and steady is the best way to go.
MM : How does the industry perceive you given the notion of 'models can't act? Do they take you seriously as an actor?
MU : It is very difficult to make headway into the film industry, especially if you don't have a film background. Even though I did a good amount of modeling of all kinds; from ramp to fashion to TV ads, print ads and music videos. Fortunately, I got a celebrity status with my Nescafe ad and music videos like Bally Sagoo's 'Noorie' and Nitin Bali's 'Neele Neele Ambar Par'. to say, it is
MM :You had to give up on your studies to pursue your career in
MM : How hard or easy is it for an aspiring model to succeed in this industry?
MU : I believe that destiny plays a major role in our lives. If we are destined to struggle to modeling; in retrospect do you regret that
MU : I have no regrets because I am happy was lucky because I got some excellent assignments. For aspiring models I would say to at least complete a good education achieve our dreams then we'll have to struggle, there's no two ways about it. While on the other hand, some people are also destined to achieve success without having to struggle much. Come what may, one should be patient and should never shy away from hard-work.
MM : Who is your favourite photographer?
MU : There are so many its hard to name but Vikram Bawa and Suvo Das top my chart of preferences.
MM :Who has been your guiding force through all this?
MU : I have always made my own decisions.
MM :Who is your role model?
MU : Nobody in particular but yes I have always loved and admired Madhuri Dixit. She is the one actress who has forever enthralled me by her body of work.
MM :Do you feel any difference in facing the camera and in walking on the ramp?
MU : They are two different genres all together. I am an actor at heart and am most comfortable when I get to express more, to get into my elements and have a motion camera to shoot me. I never really liked the ramp too much because I don't want to become a part of the crowd. I have always liked standing out and thus, I prefer music videos and ad- films over still shoots & camera over stage/ramp. Also, I am an introvert by nature. So being in the skin of another character gives me a sense of freedom that I can't afford when I am Muashmi Udeshi.
MM : So for 'an actor at heart' how was "The Tight-Rope Walker" experience?
MU : I was very comfortable! I auditioned for the part and was instantly selected. Working in "The Tight-Rope Walker" only reconfirmed my dream of becoming an actor. It was finally selected in the Venice Film Festival in the best 10 films of the short-film category.
MM :You did a song in 'Bhagam Bhag'. How has the industry reacted to you?
MU : I never wanted to begin my career in Bollywood through an item number. I had previously declined many offers but with 'Bhagam Bhag' I finally took the plunge. Even though my part was heavily edited; I did receive quite a nice response from people. I don't regret doing it at all.
MM : What next?
MU : I can safely say that I will be seen on the silver screen pretty soon. There are quite a few feature films in the pipeline. Some in Bollywood and I also have an international project coming up. But I can't name any as we haven't started shooting as of now.
MM : Who is your inspiration behind this relentless pursuit? Would you like to thank anyone for your success?
MU : I would definitely like to thank God, my family, a few close friends who have been my support system and who have been there for me no matter what. I am also very thankful to all those people who believed in me and my talent and gave me an opportunity to work with them because without their support I would be nowhere today.
MM : What is your motto in life?
MU : I am a fighter, and so my motto in life is "never to give up". I have faith in me and my talent. I believe that I have every ingredient required to become a successful actor. So I'm patient and bidding my time till I get my opportunity to show to the world what I really am. Also since I started pretty early, at the age of 15, so at 24 now I still have a long way to go.
MM : A final word for the aspiring models.What do think they must do to hit it right?
MU : The first and foremost step one must take is to make a portfolio. I was lucky to receive so many offers even without a portfolio, but not everyone can get so lucky. To get a good portfolio made, one needs to hunt down a good photographer. Then take pictures from every angle, and select the best out of the lot and compile your portfolio. If you don't have good pictures to show, you can't get good takers. So it boils down to the fact that you must find a good photographer and compile a very good portfolio and then distribute them to the key people in the industry.
