Meet International Model Naresh K who is making a big splash in films within the Bollywood industry as he is taking his international success and appealing to a larger audience in feature films. We were delighted to get an opportunity to speak with Naresh K about his wonderful career and what fans can expect from him in the near future. Here is what transpired from our online meeting.
Isaac: Hi Naresh K, I am really excited that you decided to take the time to speak with us today. I know you are extremely busy so I will get right to the first question of this interview. I am so thankful for many things in 2010 so far. What are you most thankful for in 2010?
Naresh K: What I am most thankful for in 2010 is that I have been active and busy with work internationally, more doors have opened in my career, and it is great to see my hard work and dedication appreciated.
Isaac: You have had a successful career as an international model and now rising actor in Bollywood. How difficult has it been for you to move from being a model to now starring in feature films?
Naresh K: Well, I truly believe this industry is one of the most competitive industries to break into. There are many aspiring actors all over the world, all vying for the same thing. The number of actors out there, far out numbers the amount of acting jobs, which also makes it tough. While it isn't impossible, it takes a lot of effort and dedication to pursue an acting career (not to mention knowing someone in the industry), so to star in a feature film is definitely a dream come true.
Isaac: What is the biggest enjoyment you take away from being an international model?
Naresh K: Being an international model is a career that I enjoy doing, and it has given me recognition and exposure. Each job I do is not always the same as it allows me to be a chameleon with different looks each time, which makes it quite interesting along with great enjoyment working on projects in different countries all around the world.
Isaac: What has been your primary objective career wise for you working as a model?
Naresh K: I thoroughly enjoy modeling and the exposure it has given me but I’ve always had a passion for acting, from school plays to theatrical performances and studying the art at Acting schools, and modeling is a good stepping stone to get into acting. So, career wise it would be a natural step for me to focus on acting.
Naresh K
Isaac: You are extremely fit. How important is it for you to maintain a healthy lifestyle and stay in shape?
Naresh K: I’ve always been very active since childhood. Even in school I was always the first one to join extracurricular activities, such as football, tennis, cricket, and swimming. I’ve always taken pride in my appearance, but being a part of this industry one has to not only look good but feel good too. So, following a strict healthy diet and a rigorous training regime is essential.
Isaac: For those of my readers who are not familiar with Bollywood, could you offer a brief explanation of what is Bollywood?
Naresh K: Well ‘Bollywood’ is the Indian film industry, a multi-lingual industry and the largest in the world in terms of ticket sales and number of films produced. That would be the precise definition if you would Google it! LOL!
Isaac: What made you decide that you wanted to try your hand at acting?
Naresh K: I’ve always had a passion for the performing arts, from school plays to amateur dramatics. Growing up in a family of movie buffs also increased my interest for becoming an actor, and I’ve always enjoyed different genres of movies from Hollywood to Bollywood, Shakespeare to Mahabharata. Acting has always been what I have wanted to do and it enables me to express myself in many versatile and diverse roles.
Isaac: What has been the biggest reward for you working as an actor?
Naresh K: To be honest, the best thing about acting is that I get the opportunity to lose myself in another character.
Isaac: Who was your favorite actor/actress to work with so far in the films you have worked in?
Naresh K
Naresh K: Since I am working on a few projects now and in the future....it is an honor to work with everyone.... so I don’t really have a favorite but I believe everyone around me has inspired me in one way or another.
Isaac: When working on the set of your films, do you have any inputs on the characters you play? If so, how?
Naresh K: With every project the character which has been given to you is purely a stencil. What I mean by that is the initial character is your guide and you as the actor has the ability to fill in the ‘blanks’ and portray the character in your own way, to make it your own in the way you think would enhance the character through your vision and that of the director. It is a collaboration of self-expression seen through your eyes and that of the director/writer.
Naresh K
Isaac: Which character you have played in the past that you most relate to your own personal experiences and why?
Naresh K: For each role I have played in the past, I naturally try to relate or think of similar experiences, if any, to my own life. If not I would research into that character and build on it.
Isaac: What is the one aspect that you enjoy about working in films?
Naresh K: I would say the same… I get the opportunity to lose myself in another character, and become someone else.
Naresh K
Isaac: Do you plan to crossover to working on Hollywood projects, if so, what type of project would you like to work on and why?
Naresh K: As an actor, if the script is right and very interesting then obviously I would love to work within Bollywood and international projects for British feature films and Hollywood. Being a very hardworking and dedicated individual, I want to do character driven roles and be a versatile actor, so waiting for a particular dynamic and interesting roles is the right path to take especially if you want longevity in this industry.
Isaac: You have a fantastic website. How has having an official website helped you professionally?
Naresh K: Well having a professional website has helped me in many ways. It has given me international exposure via the world wide web, showing my images on the gallery and work done, giving clients first impressions of how I look initially, increased search engine visibility and the opportunity for interested clients/agents to contact me wherever I am in the world online.
