What you don't know about supermodel Jesse Randhawa

Image: Jesse Randhawa
Photographs: Courtesy Jesse Randhawa

Most of us know her as one of India's hottest models, who sets the ramp on fire as soon as she sets foot on it. And recently, she left us pleasantly surprised with her bold acting performance in Anurag Kashyap's movie Gulaal.

A few of us may remember her as a Miss India contestant back in 1994, losing out beauty queens Sushmita Sen and Aishwarya Rai.

But did you know that if this glam babe hadn't gotten into modelling, she'd be flying planes? Or that she loves simple fare like South Indian food? Read on to learn more about Jesse Randhawa, the woman!

How I got into modelling: I entered the Miss India contest in 1994 -- the same year that Aishwarya and Sushmita won. Though I didn't win the title, I started getting modelling offers and since I always wanted to model, I took them up.

My beauty secrets: Well, right now I have an allergy on my face, so I'm not looking beautiful at all (laughs). As a rule, I don't go to beauty parlours -- I do most things at home to save myself the trip. I even do my threading myself. But I try to lead a healthy lifestyle -- I don't smoke, I get enough sleep and I don't use makeup unless it's required. Why do you think our mothers all have such great skin? It's because they never smoked and led healthy lives.

'I don't believe in gymming'

Image: Jesse Randhawa

My fitness regime: Dancing and martial arts keep me fit. Right now I'm doing kick-boxing. I don't believe in gymming. I prefer less restricted activities, like yoga. Pranayam is an integral part of my routine. It's great to keep your stomach flat.

I am also a healthy eater. I'm a total Punjabi -- I love my food. But I try to eat small meals through the day instead of three heavy ones.

My tips to stay fit and beautiful:

Understand your body. Each body is different and you need to know how yours works. For me, I can eat three full meals a day, but if I exercise three times a week, I'm fine.

Keep changing your exercise routine. If your body gets used to one type of exercise, it won't react anymore. You need to keep shocking it into reacting.

Don't smoke or drink.

Drink enough water and get enough sleep.

Don't wear make up unless it's required. Let your skin breathe as much as possible.

'I fell right off the ramp!'

Image: Jesse Randhawa

My personal sense of style: It keeps varying with time. One can't have the same style all his/ her life. It depends on my mood, actually. I love mixing and matching things to suit my mood. Some days I love bright colours, while other days I prefer neutral shades. I hate wearing tight clothes -- if you ever see me in a pair of tight jeans, you can be sure I'm not comfortable! I love loose, drawstring pajamas that let my body breathe. I'm also fond of Indo-Western outfits, like long kurtas worn over pants, with bangles and a bindi.

My most embarrassing at-work moment: A few years ago, at a fashion show in Chandigarh, I walked right off the ramp because the lighting was so low that I couldnt see where I was going! I fell right onto the audience, but, thankfully, didnt hurt myself.

'I prefer to travel within India'

Image: Jesse Randhawa

Quick facts about me:

My favourite cuisine: South Indian -- Sambhar Chawal

My favourite drink: Bailey's Irish Cream

I love hanging out at: I don't go out much.

Music I enjoy: Kishor Kumar

Best movie of all time: Boys Don't Cry, Face-off

My favourite book: Only Love by Brian Weiss

My preferred travel destination: The hills. I prefer to travel within India -- Manali and Goa are my favourite places.

'My biggest challenge is a healthy lifestyle'

Image: Jesse Randhawa walking for Ritu Kumar at the India Couture Week, 2008
Photographs: Uttam Ghosh

Makeup I can't live without: A MAC lip gloss called 'Lust'.

My biggest indulgence: Mishti Doi -- I love Bengali sweets!

My biggest challenge: Keeping a healthy lifestyle. It's so tempting to deviate from it and indulge.

The defining moment when I realised I was famous: Once, many years ago, I was in London and a bunch of Indians came up to me and asked me if I was Jesse Randhawa. That's when I felt, "Oh my God, I must be famous!"

Serious actor, sex symbol or supermodel? Serious actor.

My idea of a perfect day: Chilling at home, watching a movie with my boyfriend while it rains outside.

My passion: To grow. Not in size (!) but in deeper ways.

'I don't plan for the future because it never works out'

Image: Jesse Randhawa walking for Manish Malhotra at the Lakme Fashion Week, 2008
Photographs: Sanjay Sawant

Turn-offs in a man: Anger, a non-caring attitude, arrogance and a big butt!

Turn-ons: A good sense of humour, nice smelling skin, and most importantly, sensuous eyes.

If I wasn't a model, I would be... A pilot.

I can't leave home without... My house keys. No, it's not my mobile -- in fact, if I could, I would get rid of it completely. I don't like the feeling of being tied down; I'm a free spirit.

In my spare time... I read a lot, watch movies, admire nature. My favourite pastime is watching pigeons.

Future plans: None. They never work out, so I've stopped thinking about it!

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