While India is making its presence felt on the world map, an increasing number of international models can be seen getting attracted towards the Indian Modeling Industry. Saidah, tells us about her love-affair with India.
I did not choose the Indian Glamour Industry, it chose me,” says Saidah who spent her childhood near Baltic Sea, did her education in Malta and Italy, lived in the Caribbean for a long time and often visited India while growing up.
Saidah has a degree in hotel management and tourism. “My family didn't think of acting and modeling as serious things. So I completed my studies before entering into the modeling world and I'm proud to have done that.” She started modeling in Malta and was always confident about her capabilities as a model. One fine day, this ambitious girl followed her heart and came here. She got her portfolio shot in Delhi, worked for a few months there and finally moved to Mumbai. Having lived in India for over two years now, Saidah has done various print and television assignments and worked with ace photographers like Suvo Das, Rahul Dutta, Munna S, Colstan Julian and Pravin Talan. In 2007, she starred in singer Vaishali Samant's music video, Ghotala. “Shooting for this video was very special to me as I played the role of an Indian girl. It felt great to know that people think I'm suitable for that,” says Saidah.
She feels that India is where her heart is. “I have traveled a lot and lived in many places around the globe. But, I wasdestined to be here. I love everything about India. Indian clothes, Indian food, Indian culture, Indian history, the Bhagavad Gita, the Vedas and Upanishads,4 everything about this place is simply great.” Since beginning, she was a very religious person and found herself attracted to Hinduism. “My life has been influenced by Hindu philosophy a lot. I am a devotee of Lord Krishna. I don't drink or smoke and I'm a pure vegetarian.”
For Saidah, style comprises of everything from the way one talks and presents oneself to make-up and clothes. “I love wearing sarees and lehengas, I feel like a queen in them. For western clothes, my favorite designers are John Galliano and Versace.” She gives all the credit for her fitness to the healthy lifestyle she follows, “I eat healthy and I live healthy. I don't like going to the gym at all. I can dance for hours and do yoga and this is what works best for me. My favorite place in India is Rajasthan, I love it for its yummy food, but it's very fattening. So, I usually stay away from it.”
This ambitious girl wants to make it big in Bollywood one day. She has done a lot of theatre in school and even as a kid always wanted to be an actress. Many models enter into films through item songs. We asked whether she's open to such offers, “I like good quality item songs. I can dance well and wouldn't mind doing an item number along with acting. But I'd prefer being an actress who can dance instead of being an item girl.”
She denies having gone through any bad experience in the industry so far. “What people say about Indian glam or showbiz industry has proven to be completely wrong in my case. I have never had any such problem. There are some unprofessional people in every field but most of the people I've met here are extremely passionate about their work. I am lucky to have worked with some of the most artistic and creative individuals.”
Saidah is confident about achieving whatever she has desired for in the industry. “I love my work and I always give my 100% to everything I do. The idea of being in front of the camera gives me a high. I want to be the best and I'm ready to work 8 days a week for that” concludes the beauty and gets back to chasing her dreams.
