She stands tall at 5’7” and even as a kid, model-turned-actor Ekta Rathod nurtured dreams of seeing herself on the big screen. Acting happened by chance for this city-based model, who will be seen in the Yash starrer Masterpiece soon.
We ask the 20-year-old girl on how she got her first break on the ramp, she reveals, “Modelling just happened by luck. I would say it was a happy accident of sorts. I wanted to become a doctor or an engineer. My father is from Rajasthan and my mother is from Coorg, but I’ve always lived in Bengaluru. I started modelling in 2012, when my friend suggested my name for a shoot for a silk saree brand. I finished that and later went on to become a runway and print model for Prasad Bidapa. I was also the finalist of the Style Diva contest and was a runner-up of the Miss Karnataka title.”
Talking about her work and how she bagged her debut Sandalwood role, Ekta pipes, “I’ve had the chance to walk for many designers like Bibi Russell, Rocky S, Reshma Kunhi, Aslam Khan, Manoviraj Khosla, Ramesh Dembla, Sharavan, etc. I’ve also walked for many fashion weeks. I got my break when my friend suggested my name for the movie to the director (who was looking for a fresh face). I have also just completed shooting for the Kannada film Masterpiece.
Yash is the lead actor and I’m excited to be a part of this wonderful and talented team. Although modelling and acting are different, it wasn’t very tough for me as I play the role of a model. The film is releasing in November this year.”
Recalling the film shoots, Ekta adds, “We were shooting for an election scene, where I play a celebrity model, when a fan came running to hug and congratulate me, accidentally knocking me down. One of the cast members was supposed to catch me, preventing me from falling! He probably kept looking at me, or was a bit absent-minded, and I fell on the set! I was quite embarrassed. Now, thinking of it, I have a good laugh, as it was pretty funny.”
So what about her other passions? She says, “I’m studying at New Horizon College of Engineering. I’m in the final year and thankfully my college supports my modelling and acting. They are very encouraging, and help me cope with studies when ever I miss classes. Besides acting and modelling, I love dancing, reading books and of course shopping. My dream is to become a successful model, actress and most importantly, an artiste worth her salt.”
