Runway to reel

Rarely do you hear of models making it big in the Hindi film industry, but there's always an exception to the rule. Mugdha Godse is one lucky model who has made a smooth transition from the ramp to B-town, and without any godfather's backing. Now she's turning into quite a household name in Bollywood, writes Abdulla Mahmood.

Not many models are lucky enough to garner commercial and critical success with their first Bollywood outing, but Mugdha Godse hit it off on both fronts.

Madhur Bhandarkar's Fashion not only turned out to be a huge box-office success, it also fetched Godse nominations for best female debutante at all the film award functions this year. So what's the secret behind the successful transition from modelling to Bollywood?

"Honestly speaking, I didn't know that I'd take up acting. It happened by chance. As a model I was exposed to the media and TV commercials and I was offered film roles, but I never took it seriously as I felt I couldn't act. But when Madhur offered me the role and convinced me that he would take care of my acting skills, I felt confident enough to take the plunge," says Godse.

Godse shot to fame when she won the Gladrags Model Hunt in 2002, and there's been no looking back ever since. She scorched the fashion scene and soon rose to supermodel status.

She walked the ramp for many top Indian designers, making a household name for herself in the world of glitz and glamour. It was her tremendous confidence on the catwalk that eventually brought along her Bollywood debut with Bhandarkar's Fashion.

Bhandarkar's film on the real face of the fashion industry had Godse replicate her real life profession, that of a model, onto 'reel life'.

So how easy was it to play a glam doll? "I wouldn't say it was easy or difficult, but it was definitely different. There were some difficult scenes that I took on with ease, probably because I knew how to react like a model and I just tried being myself. But the most difficult scene was when I had to use glycerin to get teary-eyed at the right moment, it was tough to perfect. Thankfully, the end result was good and that's what counts," she explains.

Godse's on-screen character in Fashion is a sharp-tongued and outspoken model. We asked if there was any Godse in her on-screen incaarnation.

"I'm completely opposite to my character Janet Sequeira in Fashion. In real life, I'm actually a shy, quiet girl. In fact, when my parents saw the film, they found it tough to relate to Janet," says Godse.

The audience, too was in for a shock, after seeing what goes on behind-the-scenes in the fashion industry. Being a part of the industry, we quiz her on whether the glamour world is as murky as it is made out to be in the film.

"Some scenes in Fashion are over-the-top as they had to look dramatic. But when I saw the film, I felt Madhur depicted the industry as realistically as possible and he captured the emotional side aesthetically," she adds.

Talking about her preparations to play Fashion's Janet Sequeira she says, "I attended an acting workshop at Anupam Kher Academy for 8-10 weeks. With Madhur's support and motivation, I discovered that I could act and the confidence shows on-screen."

Though Godse won appreciation for her performance, she had to be content playing second fiddle to seasoned actresses like Priyanka Chopra and Kangana Ranaut who came up with meatier roles in the film.

Godse, however, is quick to point out that the association only worked towards her advantage.

"I think I am lucky to make my debut with Fashion and to be honest I benefitted a lot from working with senior actresses like Priyanka and Kangana as they were very helpful on the set. I believe in destiny and take things as they come rather than strategically planning things out. So Fashion is the probably the best debut I could've asked for."

As a model, a good figure is a must. So we ask Mugdha Godse how tough or easy it is to manage such an amazing figure? "I have to thank my parents for gifting me with such wonderful genes! I don't have to follow any strict diet to keep myself fit," says Godse sheepishly. "I just try to include more proteins and less carbohydrates in my diet, as it helps reduce the accumulation of fat. And I also squeeze in yoga to help my body relax."

Fashion is now history, and Godse is working on other Bollywood projects. "I'm currently working on two prestigious projects Madhur's Jail, which stars Neil Nitin Mukesh. It is a typical hard-hitting Bhandarkar film and I play an interesting character. Also, I'm doing an out-and-out comedy in Rohit Shetty's All The Best, along with Sanjay Dutt, Ajay Devgan, Fardeen Khan and Bipasha Basu. The film is a complete entertainer and a true-blue commercial Bollywood flick."

With a successful modelling background and an acting career that is beginning to flourish, we wonder if the gorgeous lady has hidden away her love life.

"I don't have a boyfriend, as currently my work is my priority. I think at this juncture of my life I'd rather concentrate on my career. I'm sure I will get into a relationship when the right time comes, but right now I'm happy playing a variety of roles and still enjoying the success of Fashion," shares Godse.

Looking at how far this glam girl has come, we are sure she'll soon find a strong footing in Bollywood!

For those who missed out on Mugdha Godse's commendable performance in Fashion, you can catch it again on Zee TV on June 26.

Little known facts about Mugdha