Deepika, Priyanka broke notion that models can't act: Waluscha

Model-turned-actress Waluscha de Sousa heaps praise on reigning stars Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra, saying that the Bollywood's divas have dispelled the notions that "models can't act".

After sashaying down the ramp as a model and then putting her professional life on the back burner for her family, Waluscha decided to take the leap into Hindi filmdom with "Fan" opposite superstar Shah Rukh Khan.

Asked about the switch, Waluscha points out that the plunge from modelling to acting has been "great", and she wants to enjoy this phase of her life.

"A lot of young girls use modelling as a stepping stone into Bollywood...we have Deepika and Priyanka, who have already broken this notion that models cannot act. For me, it has been a great transition," Waluscha told IANS over phone from Mumbai.

Priyanka's journey in the world of glitz and glamour started at the age of 17 when she was crowned Miss World in 2000. After making a mark in Bollywood, Priyanka is scaling new heights internationally. She is the face of American TV series "Quantico", and will also make her debut in Hollywood with "Baywatch".

Deepika, after modelling, carved a place for herself in the industry supported by her talent. She will also be making her Hollywood debut with "xXx: The Return of Xander Cage".

Waluscha, 31, shares that acting "has always been a passion".

She said: "It is just that it happened for me now and it didn't happen for me earlier. Right now, I am enjoying this space. I am enjoying working and acting and everything that comes with it".

After receiving plaudits for her role in "Fan", Waluscha is yet to pick her second project and is busy going through scripts coming her way.