Interview with- Nikhat Afza

Looking at Nikhat Afza it is difficult to remain impervious by the aura of sublimity that envelops her. The clearness of her skin, the sensuousness of her eyes and the sultry richness of the dark black hair that floats like a halo around her finely chiseled face - her ensemble of beauty is all geared to evoke reminiscences of Bollywood legends like Madhubala and Suriya. The moment you exchange a few words with her, you learn for yourself that this serene Indian beauty is much more than a pretty face, in fact Nikhat is doubly blessed; she is as intelligent as she is beautiful. Growing up as an NRI girl in San Francisco, Nikhat has already made a mark on the world through a string of beauty pageants in which she has been crowned a winner, and also through her well-choreographed performances in numerous fashion shows.

After taking the world of beauty and fashion by storm now it is time for Nikhat to conquer Bollywood. She says, “I have always been very fond of acting and modeling since my early childhood. I have never been camera shy. I think that art is the best form of media to express one’s feelings; be it through acting or through dance. This industry has also given me an opportunity to meet very talented and outstanding high fashion photographers and I have also made some very good friends this way. I have had the opportunity to work with top Indian fashion stylists and celebrity photographers in both Hollywood and Bollywood. One gets to travel and see the world, meet a variety of different creative people and this experience has always been very exciting and fulfilling to me.”

I quickly found that she was a perfect choice for Royal Magazine’s questionnaire.  Saucy without being impetuous in her choice of words, her way of portraying ideas in a bantering tone or through a fleeting smile is most charming indeed. She is capable of being frank and forthright while continuing to sound like a quintessentially traditional Indian girl. So what makes Nikhat Afza tick? Here are some of her answers that go a long way in unraveling the heart and soul of this enigmatic beauty:

Royal Magazine: What advice would you give to the youngsters who are trying to enter the industry?
Nikhat Afza: The advice that I would like to give the youngsters trying to enter the industry is have trust and confidence in yourself because modeling or acting is not about having a pretty face. It's more about perseverance and self confidence and to be who you are because that's what will show in your work. The journey is tough and challenging and one should not lose hope.
 
RM: Is there anything you would change about your past?
NA: I am happy the way I am and don't see a reason to change anything about my past. I have learnt to have fun in life and take it the way it comes as each day has been an educational experience for me. I have learnt to polish my flaws and work to perfect myself in everything I do. Each day has made me a better, stronger and confident person and this was done by learning from my past mistakes.
 
RM: Do you have any dreams of entering the Bollywood film industry?
NA: Yes, certainly I would like to explore opportunities in the Bollywood film industry because it is India's most prolific movie industry that offers a platform to showcase talent and skills and also creates employment opportunities for many people.  These days Bollywood offers a lot of versatile roles to actors which can be seen from the movies like Black, Water, Omkara and a few others and I would definitely love to do one of these roles sometime in my career. Well, to be frank it's also a very glamorous industry but does require a lot of hard work and dedication. It's a very tough job, and one has to be prepared all the time.

RM: What do you prefer more – modeling, dancing, or acting?
NA: I cannot choose one from the other as I have a passion for modeling, dancing and acting. All these are mediums through which I can express myself in front of the camera. I have always been a dancer and a model but I find acting very challenging and I love the challenge. It keeps me charged. Dancing and modeling for me is more of a physical discipline while acting is a mental and emotional discipline and I like the combination of the three.
 
RM: When were you inspired to become a model? Was your family supportive? 
NA: I always wanted to become a model since childhood. I have been modeling since I was 16. My family did not have any entertainment background so it was very difficult for me to start off initially. I had to go to a lot of auditions, casting calls and visited a lot of modeling agencies. It was a very pleasant struggle for me but I never gave up hope. My family has always been very supportive with this decision especially my mother. She has always encouraged and motivated me and given me the right guidance. When I first got the selection letter from "Femina Miss India" I was truly surprised to see my father's reaction. He was very happy and excited about this opportunity coming my way. I am thankful that I have been blessed with very supportive family and friends who have not only allowed me to feel right about what I do, but in fact, given me motivation from the beginning.

RM: If you weren't a model, what would you be doing?
NA: If I was not a model I would have been a pediatrician as I love being around kids. But that will only be a dream now (smiles)…Children are very innocent and pure with no fears and responsibilities and that's what makes them very loveable.
 
RM: Who are your role models?
NA: I look up to Rekha because I think that she is the most glamorous and versatile actress in Bollywood right now besides being very lively and down-to-earth. Even Zeenat Aman, Aishwarya Rai and Sushmita Sen are my idols who are known not only for their beauty and sensuality but also for their intelligence and striking personality. Shabana Azmi has been my all time favorite actress who is very elegant and I respect her because she uses her status for social causes.
 
RM: What's your favorite sport?
NA: I love playing basketball because it's a very energetic sport that needs a lot of team co-ordination and practice. I also love playing table tennis.
  
RM: Tell us what it is like working with some of India's top fashion designers?
NA: I have worked with a lot of top designers from India and it's been a wonderful and breathtaking experience for me working with each one of them. To name few of them would be Satya Paul, Vikram Phadnis, Suneet Verma, Ashima Leena, Manish Malhotra and many more. Indian designers have always been a source of inspiration for the world from as early as the start of civilization. All the designers that I have worked with are very creative in their designs and have very artistically combined contemporary design with haute couture adding luxurious elements of traditional Indian style to their creations. Every season I work with these designers who are always experimenting with new design styles based on current trends. Working with such talented and prominent fashion stylists has given me an opportunity to unfold their arty treasure to the world.
  
RM: When did you realize that guys first started noticing you?
NA: Hmm…. (smiles) Don't know really. While I was in school I was very shy and timid. But after I joined Graduate school I started to open up and mingle with a lot with guys. I did have a lot more male friends than female friends actually. I guess I have always been more comfortable around male companions. I think that's when guys started noticing me, maybe because I had a very outgoing and striking personality, very easy going and fun to get along with. I am usually a very bubbly person, always happy around people and I love making new friends.  
 
RM: Are you in a relationship? What do you look for in a man?
NA: (Smiles) well yes I am in a relationship. The qualities that I look for in a man are good humor, intelligence and compatibility which take more precedence over having good looks. A companion can be a good friend, someone who has respect for me and my thoughts and would encourage me to pursue my dreams. Someone who would trust me because building trust in a relationship is very important.

RM: Tell us two things that our readers would be surprised to know?
NA: I love painting. I paint whenever I find some free time from my busy schedule. I love nature and that's what I try to depict through my paintings. I am also a classical singer and a graduate in Kathak dance from Allahabad University. My life really does revolve around art, music and dance.