Dimple Paul: Beauty with brains

Kochi: A model, an actress, a choreographer, an emcee, a riding enthusiast and a blogger too. Dimple Paul, who was recently crowned Miss Queen of India at the pageant organised by Pegasus and Manappuram in Kochi, is a multi-tasking young lady.

For this beauty queen, it was not her first pageant. “I have participated and won in so many pageants before, but this one was different. In all the other contests, I knew where I stood and what chance I had of winning the pageant almost immediately after meeting the contestants. But here the competition was very tough. All the contestants were well groomed professional models. So, I had to be focused on getting into shape and preparing for the current affairs quiz. I had no clue that I could win the contest until the very end. I hope this contest helps me move closer to achieving one of my biggest dreams — to become a part of the South Indian film industry,” says Dimple.

Dimple’s parents hail from the lush green serenity of Palakkad, while she was born and brought up in the busy urban jungle of Mumbai.

“I love Kerala, especially, the film industry here. Most of the Malayalam movies I have watched have been dubbed versions, yet I find the making interesting. If I get an opportunity to work in Malayalam films I want to settle down here. Acting has always been my dream. Modelling happened by accident. Everyone used to tell me, ‘You look so pretty, why don’t you try modelling?’ so I decided to give it a try at one of my college shows during my B.Com. It turned out to be a great success and I stuck to it. But if I get an opportunity to act I will give up modelling,” she adds.

Referring to her acting stint she says, “I have been active in theatre circuit for quite some time now and I have also done a few roles in Hindi serials. However, I don’t find serials challenging enough. Movies are my goal and I want to start in the South. In Bollywood you have to be prepared with — cash, contacts and compromise. Not my idea of achieving anything. In the South Indian industry on the other hand, you just need to be able to prove yourself. Besides, I’m in love with the whole equation of South films,” chimes Dimple.

Choreography was something Dimple began as a means of earning. “My mother is a housewife and my father passed away 13 years ago. It was my sister who took care of us. She started working at the age of 16. I’m really proud and thankful for what she has done for us. I have no formal training in dance. It is a passion with me. Ever since one of my friends invited me to choreograph a song I have been getting a steady income choreographing to Bollywood music, contemporary and jazz for sangeeths and dance events,” she says.

Dimple is no delicate flower. She is a riding enthusiast. “I own a Royal Enfield and I’m part of the Bullet riders group in Mumbai and we go on trips across India — including places like Ladakh. It’s so much fun. Now that I am into modelling and choreography, I bring enough money into the house and I can afford to go on these trips,” she says with a smile.