Jesse wants to stick to realistic cinema

For long she has been the torch-bearer of the Indian modelling industry.

Now, Jesse Randhawa is all set to take the big plunge in Bollywood. The supermodel is making her debut in Anurag Kashyap’s Gulaal. Incidentally, not long ago, she did an item number for the director in his film No Smoking.

Was films always on the cards? “I never thought about films. In fact, when Anurag approached me for Gulaal, I was pretty sceptical. But, he told me to go through the script and be very sure before I say anything. I ended up doing it,” she smiles. What is her character in the film? She answers, “I play Anuja, a college lecturer. She is a woman of few words. She has been through a lot in life.” The whole feel was a deviation from the stereotypical roles. “I am only seen in cotton saris sans makeup. It was very unlike the glamorous image that I have as a model,” she says.

How was it working with Anurag, who is known more as a new-generation free-spirited director? “Anurag is absolutely fabulous to work with. I was not sure about doing a film, but he put so much faith in me that it brought out the very best in me. I continue to take advice from him for further projects.”

Before Jesse made her entry in Bollywood, she wowed all with her dance moves. So, does she consider dance a passion, a form of therapy or just a hobby? “Oh, dance is definitely a passion! It’s funny, but I was so apprehensive about it. But, when I took to the floor, I knew I was meant for it.”

Does she plan to give up modelling and get into full-time acting? “I don’t think I’ll let go of modelling, because that has got me where I am today. Films? I don’t plan to take it up completely unless something really interesting comes my way. I want to stick to realistic cinema, roles which have some intellectual content. Otherwise, I plan to concentrate more on dancing. It makes me happy.”

We sure are happy seeing her in any avatar — be it as a dancer, actress or a model.