This Odia Model Turned Brickbats Into Bouquet Of Success

This Odia Model Turned Brickbats Into Bouquet Of Success

Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak. And, Odia girl Naisha Bhargabi has done that with elan! Having been ridiculed often for her curly hair and brown skin, Naisha worked hard and remained focused and dedicated to carve a niche for herself in the world of modelling both at national and international levels. 

Daughter of former Director, Ministry of Defence Bijay Kumar Mishra and mother Sarita Barpanda, who works for an NGO, Naisha wished to be an actor from her childhood but destiny had other plans and she ended up being a successful model.

23-year-old Naisha has already modelled for more than 40 print campaigns and 15 commercials till date. Her work includes campaigns for brands and magazines such as Pernia's Pop Up, H&M Print India, Masaba Campaign, Grazia Editorial, Femina Editorial, Adidas X Street Style, Spotlight Magazine Feature, Contributors Magazine, Lucy’s Magazine, Sony Camera Worldwide Campaign, Femina 2018, Elle Magazine Br Ambedkar Tribute Shot By Award-Winning Photographer, Author Sooni Taraporevala, Elle Magazine Beauty, Myntra Campaign , Jeep X Gq Campaign, Clear Social Campaign Nominated For Awards, ADIDAS x street style spotlight and Pernia's Pop up Editorial.

MCL had an exclusive interview with this young talent from the state, who is settled in Mumbai. Excerpts

How and when did you get your first break as a model?

Model scouts used to find models from colleges and even malls for their commercial ads then. So, some of them visited our college and offered me an ad and I agreed. So, at the age of 16, I got my first commercial that was for the brand ‘Eveready’ with Bollywood star Akshay Kumar.

You always wished to be an actor. Tell us about it.

Yes, from childhood I was learning music so that weakness towards art was always there. I used to watch a lot of films too and dreamt of being an actor then. I have had my schooling at Cuttack. Then I shifted to Mumbai for my higher studies. I used to do theatre plays during college days. I have worked here in various theatres including ‘Prithvi Theatre’. After my graduation from Mithibai College, Mumbai, I was planning to study Law but then I changed my mind and went to the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute, New York and studied ‘Musical Theatre of Films’ there.

Have you ever faced any trouble for being an Odia?

No, not at all, I always feel proud that I am Odia and in all my interviews, I have said I belong to Odisha. Some people are so dumb here that till date they don’t know Odisha is one of the states of their country! 

Now that you have become a model, what about your acting career? Any disappointments on that front?

You do feel disappointed at times. But after a point, you have to be comfortable with what you are doing and you should also enjoy it. I look a certain way, you know, with my curly hair and brown skin tone. So, most of the people here in the industry would typecast me for a specific type of roles. Although the Bollywood industry has changed a bit because we have successful actors like Radhika Apte in today’s times. But I feel they are also given specific kind of roles. But I am happy that the mentality is changing as far as the looks of an actor are concerned. As far as my acting career goes, I have not got the kind of script I am looking for till now. I was offered the role of a ‘hot’ girl for a big production house (which I can’t reveal now) but I denied as I felt there was no requirement of that character in the film. It takes much time to get an opportunity here as you know the competition is so huge.

From all the projects you have done so far, which one is your personal favourite?

I have done a calendar campaign for the four-wheeler brand ‘Jeep’. That was one of my favourite projects because we stayed at a royal palace for the shoot. It was winter, we shot in a pool. So that was an amazing experience working in difficult climatic conditions and also the output was mesmerising.

Do you hate your strict diet plans at times?

Yes, of course. From the beginning, I was always concerned about my health and fitness. So, I used to do workouts regularly and have proper diet plans. But there is a foodie within me and at times, I wonder why there are such unrealistic body standards in this world because that is the reason why I have to go through such strict diet plans.

What are your upcoming projects?

My upcoming projects are an American Brand of beauty products, which is soon to be launched in India, Myntra roadster campaign and Amazon campaign. Theatre is my main plan for kick-starting my acting career and I am looking forward to some international projects, web series as it’s a digital media world now. I would also love to do an Odia film if I get a chance.

What’s your tip for aspiring models from your native state?

You need to come here with a proper plan, and only then, things will be easy.

Here's a popular ad of Naisha Bhargabi with Bollywood Diva Alia Bhatt: