New kid on the block Monikangana Dutta, who’s an old-fashioned girl, was a little unhappy at the script for Guzaarish when it called upon her to kiss Hrithik Roshan on screen – but after talking to Susanne Roshan, Hrithik’s wife, she has been persuaded to do so. Unfortunately for Hrithik, the script doesn’t call on his other co-star – Aishwarya Rai Bachchan – to get involved in any smoochie-coochies with him!
Along with Lakshmi Menon and Sheetal Mallar, Monikangana, Moni or more often Kangana Dutta, has been leading the invasion of Indian models into the west over the last eighteen months. Described as India’s answer to Gemma Ward, she has been signed by the IMG Agency to give their roster a more diverse element. She shot a stunning portfolio for Harper’s, some cover shots for Elle and Marie Claire and is leading IMG’s strategy for penetrating the Indian market. She graced the cover of the first Indian edition of Vogue. “When Vogue called me I couldn’t believe it, it’s every girl’s dream to be on the cover, and there I was with five of the most beautiful girls in the world,” she exclaims.
Moni, who also features on the 2009 Kingfisher Calendar (November), is very clear that Indian models need to be included more on the international circuit.
“Indian women stand out, from the colour of their skin to their features,” she says. “Without us, fashion isn’t complete.” Moni has been signed up for a second film by Sanjay Leela Bhansali in which she will play the lead female role.
