Preparation meets opportunity for Nandini

They say luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity. And that proved to be true for newbie Nandini Rai, a model-turned-actress who is on a roll in the world of films right now.

Coming from a business family in Hyderabad, the 25-year-old had nothing except good looks and conviction when she decided to enter the world of glamour. “In fact, it was my mother who sent my pictures for the Miss Andhra Pradesh pageant. And not only did I win the title in 2010, but also was awarded Miss Beautiful Eyes,” she says talking about her entry into the glamour world.

The pageant was a turning point in her career because it opened doors to lucrative modelling assignments and later to films. “I modelled for many jewellery brands and spent a lot of time abroad. Monte Carlo was also one of my assignments,” she tells us. However, Nandini didn’t solely depend on modelling and acting as a career and did her MBA from Symbiosis, Pune. “My dad wanted to ensure that I had a backup in case this didn’t work out and so I pursued the course.”

Everything changed for the Sindhi-Punjabi girl when director Neelakanta selected her for a minor role in his film ‘Maaya’. She says, “Neelakanta sir is lucky for me. I have got some amazing offers ever since I signed ‘Maaya’.” She plays the role of a Varanasi Brahmin girl who goes to Delhi to become a model. Elucidating on the offers, she says, “The sequel of ‘Swamy Ra Ra’, ‘Swamy Swamy Ra Ra’, is a good break for me. And then there is the remake of ‘Gunde Jaari Gallantayinde’ in Kannada, titled ‘Khushi Khushiyagi’ for which I have completed the shoot.”

But that’s not all. She is in talks for another big banner film in Kannada and is set to venture into Tamil filmdom with renowned director-producer Lingusamy. About the latter she says, “Nothing has been finalised yet. But he will be producing it and I am excited to be a part of it.” So is she looking forward to work with the big stars in the industries? “You never know what comes to you. I am ready to work in all kind of films. There’s no big or small film these days but the approach to filmmaking that is important.”

Meanwhile, the actress who is a trained Bharatanatyam dancer is preparing herself for a successful innings in cinema and is learning Bollywood and Tollywood dancing. Also she is training under prominent acting coach Ramanand to work on her acting skills. We hope this good start has a happy ending!