Revealed: Pictures of Slumdog Millionaire star Freida Pinto as young aspiring model
By Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 4:36 PM on 01st February 09
She may be on the way to becoming a household name following the success of Slumdog Millionaire. But before her rise to fame Freida Pinto was once an young aspiring model.
These are the stunning pictures taken of the actress four-years-ago in her first fashion shoot by renowned Bollywood photographer Ryan Martis.
Before she was famous: Freida is pictured during her first fashion shoot as a model
She was selected for several ad campaigns including ones for De Beers diamond, Skoda and Wrigley chewing gum as well as working as a catwalk model and a covergirl in India.
The 24-year-old worked as a model for two years before meeting Danny Boyle who eventually cast her as Latika in the award winning film about a boy from the slums of India who take part in a game show.
Mr Martis said: 'Frieda first came to me in 2005 via a common friend. She wanted to enter a hairstyle competition and asked me to photograph her.
'The moment I saw her I recognised that Frieda was going to become a model. In fact, I suggested she audition for some modeling jobs.
Star quality: Freida was 21-years-old when these pictures were taken but her talent was not missed
'She knew how to play for the camera in her very first shoot.
'I am delighted she is getting such attention now. She did a great job and deserves it.'
It was when Freida went to work on a travel show on the Asian satellite channel Zee, when Danny Boyle spotted her.
'Frieda was very excited about getting a break in Hollywood. She told me all about her big chance but then, I didn't know - no one did - that it was going to be such a big hit with lots of awards and fame.'
Freida says she has been given guidance from Angelina Jolie and Kate Winslet.
Natural beauty: Freida was spotted by Danny Boyle while working on a travel show
She told an Indian entertainment channel: 'Angelina is just like, 'Embrace it. Enjoy it and keep it real. Don't get affected by all this, enjoy every moment'.
And she said of Kate: 'Every time I have a question, she's always there to answer it. I really think it'd be fun to work with Winslet because I found support in her.'
It comes as Danny Boyle is named best director by the Directors Guild of America for Slumdog Millionaire.
It is classed as a key Oscar indicator as only six times in the 60-year history of the awards has the winner failed to take an Oscar for best director.
Big break: The actress knew Slumdog Millionaire was her big chance
1