She made a splash on the runway and in the modeling world and now she has taken Bollywood by storm. Mugdha Godse, one of the biggest models in India, made her debut in a film all about her world but not as a model, as a full-fledged actress and she hit it out of the park. Her performance as Janet in Madhur Bhandarkar’s Fashion is getting wonderful reviews and audiences love her performance as well. She recently spoke about her experiences working on Fashion in a wonderful conversation with our writer Stacey Yount.
Stacey: How did you become a part of Madhur Bhandarkar’s film?
Mugdha: Actually, I was doing fashion week in India and Madhur used to come and do these searches and all. Then we happened to do a jewelry campaign together, he directed that TV ad. That is how he asked me, “Are you interested in acting?” Then I landed this role.
Stacey: That is wonderful! Tell us about your role in Fashion.
Mugdha: My role is a model named Janet Sequeira. She is a very bold, outgoing and very outspoken girl. She is very much a free bird. She is not highly successful in her career and (Spoiler Alert! If have not seen film skip to next question!) she marries a gay designer. In the second half she marries a gay designer. That is a beautiful marriage of convenience, the relationship they have shown between them. That sex is not the only important in marriage. She sacrifices her life for her friend. She is a very sweet girl throughout to everyone.
Stacey: So, were you nervous to work alongside actresses like Kangana Ranaut and Priyanka Chopra?
Mugdha: I didn’t have any scenes with Kangana, but I did have scenes with Priyanka. I was kind of nervous but when I met her, she made me feel very comfortable and it all went off really well.
Stacey: What was the most difficult scene in the film for you to enact?
Mugdha: Everything went off in the same go so I didn’t find anything difficult. I didn’t get worked up for anything.
Stacey: That’s fabulous! Having worked in the fashion industry, how similar do you think the film Fashion is to real life?
Mugdha: Madhur has captured the emotions of the models, and the emotional parts of the film are very close to reality. All the other characters are fictional, so he hasn’t shown anything derogatory or pointed fingers at anyone’s character. He has shown the heights, the ups and downs of emotions in the film and it’s worked really well. It’s really good!
Stacey: Terrific! How was the premiere in Dubai?
Mugdha: It was lovely and we had so much fun. It was great because we received a very good response. I was just amazed to see a fan following and people who love cinema all over the world, in Dubai and all. I was really stunned to see that.
Stacey: Wow, amazing! How do you feel Fashion has turned out?
Mugdha: Fashion has turned out really great and it has been declared one of the biggest hits of the year. I feel good to be a part of it. People love it; it’s still going house-full in India and all over the place. My cousins from places like US, UK, Malaysia, and New Zealand are calling to tell me that the film is doing really well there and they are watching it and everyone loves it. Overall, it’s a good film and people are loving it.
Stacey: How do you feel your performance turned out now that you’ve seen it?
Mugdha: My performance really stood out, thanks to Madhur Sir because I completely followed his instructions. I had no clue that I could act and this is the result. When he offered me the role, I had told him listen I don’t think I can act so well but he told me, don’t worry to leave that up to me. On that basis, I signed the film and it has turned out really well.
Stacey: That is really wonderful. How does it feel to get the good reviews you have on your debut film?
Mugdha: It’s feels great. Feels like we’re on top of the world. I feel like I have achieved something really great in life. It’s the best feeling right now, the best time I have ever felt in my life.
Stacey: That’s great. Congratulations!
Mugdha: Thank you darling.
Stacey: You are looking stunning in the film. How do you manage to stay fit?
Mugdha: I do work out a lot but most of it is in the genes, but I make sure to take care of my diet, eat healthy food and gym regularly.
Stacey: In 2004, you won the “Miss Perfect 10” award at the Femina Miss India pageant. What’s your idea of “The Perfect 10”?
Mugdha: My idea of the perfect 10 is to be toned, and have the right body. Not to be skinny or thin, it should be toned. The perfect shape is never size 0.
Stacey: What do you have to say to those who claim that it is unfair that models can become actresses so easily?
Mugdha: I don’t think they will be able to say that after they have seen my film. Many models have proved them wrong and I’ve now also joined the gang. So, hopefully that perception has gone out of the window.
Stacey: Before making this film, did you ever want to be an actress?
Mugdha: No, never. I never thought that I’d be a model either. It just happened and now the film is happening. I’m really thankful. I think it’s my destiny that has got me here.
Stacey: That’s wonderful Mugdha. Is it hard to make it in Bollywood?
Mugdha:Yeah, it looks like it’s hard. I feel that you have to have a great destiny to be here and then you have to seek opportunities and use them in the right way.
Stacey: Name a few actors, actresses and directors that you would love to work with…
Mugdha: Actually, I’d love to work with everyone. I’m just starting off so I’m really greedy on that matter.(Laughs) I would like to work with Aamir and all the new lot of actors that have come up like Imran Khan and Ranbir Kapoor. I’d like to work with many of them… and all the Khans and everyone! (Laughs) All the directors who are doing good movies, even new ones… I wouldn’t mind working with them if they have a great script.
Stacey: So, how would you decide on a role? How will you decide on your next film?
Mugdha: I’m still reading scripts. When I read the script it will just click. It is a gut feeling; it’ll come and tell me if that is a good script. That’s what happened with me on Fashion. I’m sure that’s what will happen in the future.
Stacey: That is cool! IMDB is reporting that you’re featuring in Madhur Bhandarkar’s film Jail. Is this true?
Mugdha: Actually, you should ask him that. (Laughs) I don’t know. I don’t want to comment on that!
Stacey: After Fashion, what’s the next film for you then?
Mugdha: There are a lot of things in the pipeline. Right now, I’ve not signed many so a proper announcement will be done and then everyone will know what I’m doing next.
Stacey: Okay, I’ll call you and ask you about them then!
Mugdha: Yeah, please do. If you have a chance to call me again, please do!
Stacey: OK! Great! I like that! Apart from films and modeling, what are some of your hobbies?
Mugdha: I love watching DVDs, going to the movies with my friends. I love traveling. I love swimming. I love outdoor activities including adventures and all.
Stacey: What’s the one thing about you that most people don’t know?
Mugdha: I’m a very shy person in real life! I come across as bold and outgoing but I’m actually very shy. In Hindi, they say fatu; it’s a funny name for a coward.
Stacey: How hard was it to go from modeling to being an actress? Was that a hard process for you?
Mugdha: Yes, it was hard because I had to stop what I was doing and then get into something, which I’ve never done before. I didn’t know how well I’d be accepted there so the mental transformation was very difficult and very strenuous. But now that I’ve gotten all good reviews, I feel that I’ve been accepted well, so all stress and tension that I had is now gone.
Stacey: Did the director give you any advice while on you were shooting?
Mugdha: He told me to be as natural as possible and not to ‘act’ but to rather live the moment.
Stacey: So my last question is what reason do you think audiences should go see Fashion?
Mugdha: I think it’s a fantastic movie, it has three beautiful women and it’s about the fashion world. You’ll get to see how people in the fashion industry have hearts too! (Laughs) Just go and watch them! I’m sure everyone will enjoy it. It is a Diwali gift from all of us.
We would like to thank Mugdha and the entire cast of Fashion for that superb Diwali gift! After this interview, I of course had to rush out to see the film and I have to say she was really wonderful! You would never guess this is her first film; she is so natural on screen. I am sure she will go far! I would like to thank her for being so nice and for taking the time to do the interview. You and she can be sure I will be calling for another interview again! We here at Bollyspice wish her the best of luck!
