Interview with- Meera Nandlal

RM - You've been in the entertainment industry for a long time. Do you have any tips for the youngsters coming into the industry?

Meera - I have been a part of the entertainment industry for about 18 years! For anyone getting into the industry, I stress getting an education. An education gives you credibility no matter what field you choose to enter. If you choose a communications degree, then have a minor in something else like computers, business or anything else that can enhance your success in the business. I didn't do this and if I could do one thing with my education, I would have minored in something completely different than my major course of study. I also stress, getting an internship, part time job, and networking within the field. Even if you are making copies all day or answering the phones, you are in the environment you need to be in to learn and absorb information. In the entertainment industry and communications, you are expected to have lots of experience before entering the work field. I was lucky, the first radio station I stopped into for an internship ended up hiring me for a part time job that day! Remain positive and professional in every situation and stay away from the idle gossip.

RM - Was your family supportive when you first started? How did they feel about your career decision?

Meera - My father had hopes of me becoming a doctor or a lawyer and probably still does. I love to debate, but I can't stand the sight of blood. My mother and brother were supportive of my decision. In fact, my mother was the one that gave me the confidence to try out for my first fashion show. My father is more focused on the sciences and when I first told him I was going to do journalism, he really wasn't sure what "journalism" meant. My father supported my decision eventually and paid for my education. My father like my mother realized it is more important to be happy.

RM -Tell us about the broadcasting programs you've done?

Meera - I have done radio and television. For my first big radio job I was a co-host and changed my name to "Pebblez" with a "z" when I lived in Austin. Our show was the highest rated show in Austin form 7pm to 12am beating out morning show ratings. I have also been an entertainment reporter and traffic reporter in both radio and television. In television I had my own entertainment segment call "Hip Houston," which gave viewers and inside scoop on the hip and trendy places to go out in town. . I have hosted local video music shows and early on in my career hosted a pilot show called, "Street Trax." I have used a chroma key wall for traffic, which for some reason just blows people away...it's actually very easy to learn. I have interviewed many celebrities including, Gavin DeGraw, Natialie, Pauly Shore, Mike Judge, Modern English, just to name a few

RM - What modeling gigs have you done in the past?

Meera - I did numerous runway shows when I first started, then I got into print where I have modeled clothing for Dillards Department Store, Ujena swimsuit calendar, Coors Light, McDonalds, VTEL Computer Brochure, and I have been featured in various newspaper articles and radio calendars / magazines. I have also been a spokesmodel for Miller Beer.

RM - Tell us about your acting jobs in the past?

Meera - I have done one independent short film called Clean People where I starred as Meg. It has won a couple of awards and I'm really proud to have been a part of its success. I was also a stand-in for Debbie Allen on the set of Blank Check. I was an extra in Spy Kids and Hope Floats, commercials for restaurants, car dealerships, made it on the "Weakest Links," radio specialty show where I was the runner up, hosted live telethons to raise money for both the Houston SPCA and Austin Humane Society. In addition I've done many reporting jobs as an entertainment and traffic reporter. I've also done a number of voice-overs for radio and television.

RM - What are you currently involved with?

Meera - I'm a radio personality on 104.1 KRBE in Houston, Texas. I will be co-hosting a Halloween Gala for the Ambassadors Club on October 29th to benefit Toys for Tots and I'm going to as many auditions as I can. I'm also enrolling in advanced acting programs and classes....I'm gonna land the HUGE audition someday...just wait and see!

RM - What do you love and hate the most about the entertainment industry?

Meera - I love that I can go to work everyday not feel like I'm working because my job is so unique and fun. I enjoy meeting all the celebrities and really getting to see first hand that they are just people too. My favorites are Ricky Martin, Sean Hayes, Steven Tyler, Mark McGrath, 50 Cent, Gavin DeGraw, Nataile, Simon LeBon, Nick Lachey and Jessica Simpson. They were all pretty down to earth.

RM - Tell us two things that are readers would be surprised to know.

Meera - That I was and still can be shy at times.
I grew up not liking my appearance or voice.

RM - Are you married, single?

Single and looking :)

RM - What do you look for in a partner?

Meera - Someone who is respectful of both men and women and does not define a person based simply on their appearance or sex. He should be a good communicator with a sense of humor, but takes life seriously when necessary. I like someone who is optimistic, balanced, non-judgmental, caring, understanding, and doesn't sweat the small stuff. That's not too much to ask, is it? Also, not being bad on the eyes would be a plus!