Meet Ekta’s ‘discovery’

International model Mandana Karimi is all set to make her Bollywood debut with Ekta Kapoor’s Kya Kool Hai Hum 3, opposite Tusshar Kapoor. While her first movie hasn’t released yet, she has already signed on for her next, a thriller. We caught up with her for a chat.

How did you decide to come to India and model/act?
Well, I have come to India many times, visiting my family or for holidays. Also, when I started modelling, I got offers from India but was never interested. In 2010, I came to Mumbai for three months on a modelling contract and had a different experience, staying without my family. I absolutely loved it! Work was great, but at that time, I had other contracts around the world. Then two years ago, I decided to move to Mumbai and try acting.

Tell us about your growing up years…
I was born in Tehran in a conservative Muslim family and growing up, I was very shy and quiet. I studied art. I used to spend most of my time in my room playing around with papers, cameras and colours.

Are you a Bollywood fan?
Not really, the only movies that I liked and remember watching a few times are Sholay and Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Devdas. I was mesmerised by Aishwarya Rai. And my favourite new movies would be Queen, Tanu Weds Manu Returns, Piku, Badlapur, NH10 and PK.