Waiting for B-town breaks

Are models ditching the ramp for cameo appearances in Bollywood films?

It’s Bollywood calling for models. The role and the budget of the film do not matter; all they are looking for is a good break in tinsel town. “Since Bollywood has changed completely with more character oriented roles coming in, small or big hardly matters. We are here to perform; so if a small role has the potential of leaving an impact on the audience, then why not?” says model Alesia Raut.

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And sticking true to her words, she has accepted whatever has come her way, featuring in music videos Meri Beri Ke Ber and Ek Aankh Maro and even doing a cameo in Madhur Bhandarkar's Fashion.

“We can't model forever as the profession has a short life. So exploring new avenues is always a good option. Looking at the similarity between Bollywood and fashion, the silver screen is undoubtedly the next option for models,” says Alesia, who will soon be seen in an item number in the film Karu Toh Kya Kaaru.

The trend isn’t completely new; models-turned-actors Aishwarya Rai, Katrina Kaif, Priyanka Chopra and Bipasha Basu are currently calling the shots in the industry, thus dispelling the myth that models can’t act.

Piyali Singhal, a model from Bangalore, explains her inclination towards films saying, “Bollywood and fashion go hand in hand. If a filmmaker is looking for a new face, the first choice is always someone from a modelling background.”

Shipra Malik, another model in search of greener pastures, believes that models have a bright future in Bollywood. “There are far more opportunities for the girls with the entry of new directors, producers and the success of small budget movies in the industry. Models look good, so there is nothing wrong in hiring them for different roles,” she explains.