A Conversation with Giselli Monteiro

“Everywhere I went, people would tell me I looked Indian. Maybe it’s my long dark hair or my eyes”

Q How come a Brazilian girl like you, not knowing Hindi, got noticed for playing a Punjabi in a Bollywood film?

I am a professional model and have travelled the world for assignments. Everywhere I went, people would tell me I looked Indian. Maybe it’s my long dark hair or my eyes, I don’t know. So I was fascinated by India from the start. Then I came to Bombay on an assignment and photographer Farokh Chhotia suggested I meet Anaita Shroff Adajania from Vogue. When she met me, she put me on to director Imtiaz Ali, who was then casting for Love Aaj Kal, and here I am! And all this took place within 20 days of my landing in the country!

Q What did you make of the experience of working in India?

Well, I credit Imtiaz for everything and I trusted him implicitly through the making of the film. I am very shy as a person and the character suited me perfectly, so it was not that difficult. Saif, too, helped me a lot, but it was watching his mom Sharmila Tagore’s movies that helped me the most. With a smile, a look, she conveyed strong emotions of love and passion. I love her style of acting.

Q Were you familiar with Bollywood before?

No. But I had heard about it. Not even in my dreams did I think I could be part of Bollywood. Now I am familiar with most stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Sharmila Tagore and Aamir Khan.

Q You seem to be learning the ropes of the biz in reverse, going to acting and dancing class after your grand film debut. How are you adapting to Bollywood with no knowledge of Hindi?

Well, most people know English, so it isn’t bad. Secondly, I am learning Hindi now and am also taking Bollywood acting and dancing classes. I have also moved to Bombay.