Photographs: courtesy Matrix Models Insiyah Vahanvaty
She's one of the Indian catwalk's most famous faces and she shot to fame when she participated in reality show Bigg Boss. She's bold and beautiful, but also down-to-earth and cheerful.
In a tete-a-tete with rediff.com, Carol Gracias gets candid about her career, her personal life and a few of her favourite things.
How I got into modelling: I got into modelling in 1998; I took part in the Femina Elite Look of the Year pageant, which I won. I was 19 at the time. After that, (fashion designer and choreographer) Hemant Trivedi started using me for his shows, which is where people started taking notice of me. About a year later, I was working with most of the famous choreographers and designers in India.
The golden rules of the business:
- Finish your graduation, so you have something to fall back on, just in case.
- Make sure you know your limitations and your forte.
- Take everything from anybody in this industry with a BIG pinch of salt.
- Keep your friends; don't forget where you come from. You will make friends in this industry, but they are few and far between. The industry has many nice people, but they are not all your friends.
'I don't use fancy beauty products'
My beauty secrets: I make sure I take off my makeup properly and use moisturiser. I don't use very fancy products -- I use Pears soap on my face. And I might use Lacto Calamine before applying makeup. I only use one or two fancy products an Estee Lauder face wash and a night serum. That's about it.
My fitness secrets: Very honestly, I have not worked out for many years, but I know that I need to start. I actually have started a couple of months ago, and it makes me feel really good. I've been really lucky with my weight, because I eat everything except chocolates. I don't like very sweet things.
Personal sense of style: Very chilled out and comfortable. For going out, I like classic pieces of clothing, especially for parties. I have lots of blacks and whites and greys in my wardrobe. But for everyday wear, it's just jeans or shorts and a tee-shirt. Or a plain dress. But I do believe in looking nice at all times. And I'm lucky enough to be a model size (giggles). I know it's mean, but it's true; everything just hangs. Also, I don't like bright colours much -- I prefer subdued and simple colours.
'I once wanted to be a child psychologist, but not anymore'
I realised I was famous when: In my head I still don't think of myself as famous, but I know I am. It's nice in a way but awkward in others. I'm famous in certain circles, but I'm not a big star or celeb. I remember, after Bigg Boss, I was walking down the street, and feeling really excited to be able to do that, because we had been locked up in that jail for three months. There was this old lady who caught my hand and asked if I was Carol. She said, "I was just talking to my granddaughter about you." And I was like, okay, maybe she's my mother's friend or something. And then she said she'd seen me on Bigg Boss. So I was like, oh, she doesn't know me or my mom -- she's just seen me on TV.
Serious actor, sex symbol or supermodel: At the moment I'm already modelling, so the next thing would be serious actor. But then I'm no Hindi movie star, so let's see. Sex symbol sort of comes with both territories.
My perfect day: I would probably work from morning to night, if possible. I love my job; I love creativity and good photographers, I love good clothes...it's incredible how far fashion has come from the time I started, when they were putting animal skins on us!
My passion: Cooking and my job.
If I wasn't a model: When I was in college, I wanted to be a child psychologist. But I don't want that anymore, I'm not sure what I want to do after this.
'Akshay Kumar has a hot body'
How I deal with success: I enjoy success, but the problem is that whenever you have it, you want more and more. I still want to do something more, but at this point in my career, I don't know where else I can go. I guess I'll have to find something new to challenge me. And my family and friends keep me grounded. If I say anything about being 'a model' they'll just slap me and bring me back to earth (laughs). Even my friends within this industry are grounded, and keep me that way too.
Today's hottest actors and actresses, according to me: Aamir Khan is an all-time favourite of everyone's. I think Akshay Kumar is also hot. He's an older and very good-looking man. Saif used to be hot, but I don't think he's too hot anymore.
Two male and female actors who have hot bodies: Akshay Kumar again -- I think he has a hot body. I just saw Dev D, and I think Abhay Deol also has a hot body. It's not crazily muscular, but it's very nice. Priyanka Chopra's also hot -- she's well worked out and toned. Another hot body is Bipasha's.
'My fave food is my mom's fish curry rice'
Quick facts about me:
My favourite food: Mummy's fish curry and rice
My favourite drink: Whiskey and apple juice -- separately, of course!
I love hanging out at: Zenzi and the Bagel Shop in Mumbai
Music I enjoy: Alternative rock and old rock
Preferred travel destination: My new favourite is Paris, because my boyfriend is from there.
Best movies of all time: Breakfast at Tiffany's, Fight Club
Books I love: P G Wodehouse
Makeup I can't live without: MAC Studio Fix
Most recent indulgence: A tiny Louis Vuitton bag
Greatest challenge in life: Right now, it's finding things to occupy my time since work is a little slow because of the rains. So I've started taking Hindi classes, going to the gym, and cooking. I'm also thinking of taking French classes.
'A man has to look good to turn me on'
What turns me on in a man: Funny, smart conversation -- everyone says that, but I also think a man needs to look good. You have to be physically attracted to him, so I think it has to be the whole package.
What turns me off in a man: Men who smell too strongly of perfume or deodorant. Men who talk too much about themselves. Bad breath -- that's normal for everyone.
I can't leave home without: My house keys and wallet.
In my spare time, I: Cook, clean, and read. Lately I've been spending a lot of time of Facebook because I'm bored. My Hindi class and gym are also keeping me busy.
My future plans: I have another reality show coming up by the end of August, but I can't tell you any more than that right now. Then, hopefully, Fashion Weeks will start at the same time, so I'll be busy with that.
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