She is Hollywood star Jim Carrey's girlfriend, but India born model model Anchal Joseph has Bollywood dreams. Joseph, who was spotted with Carrey last month catching a Broadway performance in New York, has received various inquiries about doing Hindi films through her agent. However, the former America's Next Top Model contestant is yet to commit to anything formally.
Anchal is herself keen on coming back to India and doing films. "Yes, I have considered it and many friends and family members have encouraged me to endeavor into the Bollywood market. I would love too," she says. "I am picky about Bollywood movies. I will watch all Shahrukh Khan movies, as any girl growing up in India and in America would. Also Abhishek Bachchan, Kajol, Rekha, Salman Khan' There are so many talented actors and actresses that I've admired growing up," she adds.
Desi girl The Delhi born model who moved to the US when she was six says that she admires her culture, "I was born in India, my parents are Indian and so are their parents and the rest of my family besides my immediate family still reside in India. I speak Hindi, I have desi friends, I wear Indian clothing, I eat homemade Indian food- I love dal and have loved it since I was a toddler, I love the way my mom makes bhindi, keema & mutter. Last I remember is my time spent with my family when I was 12 years old, which was my last time in India. I remember the train rides, the pani puri. Sadly I have not been back since."
Delhi to America
Now a big name in America, Anchal says all was not always as honky dory when she went there. "I moved to America when I was 6 years old with my mother and father to South Florida right after hurricane Andrew. My mom is a registered nurse and she began working at the local hospital. I remember it was difficult to adjust into the new routine of life in America. Fitting into school, finding friends, learning to speak English, being distant from the entire family, etc. It was a big adjustment and some days were harder than others."
How did modeling happen?
"I started modeling when I was 15 years old. I quit modeling when I was about 18 so I could continue my education without any distractions. Then, an ANTM scout found me through MySpace. I refused to believe it was a real message and the scout insisted that I should try out for the closed calls. So I did, and a few months later got a call back. It has been 5 years now and people approach me from various parts of the world...as "the girl from top model". I look back and do not wish I had never participated in the show if I had known then what I know now. Its a part of my life and I take it as blessing. I have met amazing people and had great experiences along the way."
Beauty is not skin deep
Her recent pictures in the worldwide media have earned her a major fan base in India. How does she react to that? "I take it for what it is. I began modeling a while back. I did not model to seek fame. I started because I liked it. I have met some wonderful people and learned so many different things throughout the years."
Another topic of discussion in the Blogospghere are her comments on ANTP that she wore blue lenses because in India, people with lighter hair and eyes are preferred. Does she still believe that? "I do. I have seen family members deal with that issue. I myself have experienced it. The obsession with light skin effects many other cultures not just Indians. The world is changing ever so slowly and I really do not think the skin tone defines a person or what they are capable of."
What next?
"I'm currently residing in New York and pursuing television and seeing where life leads me. As I've said before I take life day-by-day. Things change from one day to the next."
Indian Idol 15
11