Nathalia Kaur, embracing her Indian connection

Nathalia KaurMaking waves with her stellar dance moves in the new item song Dan Dan is Bollywood’s newest entrant Nathalia Kaur. Adding to the current flavour of Indian origin beauties flooding Indian cinema, part Indian and part Brazilian, Nathalia started out like many others of her ilk, as a model. Then, the Kingfisher Calendar 2011 happened and the proverbial doors opened. Since then, not only have the masses taken notice of this 21-year-old beauty, but she’s also manage to catch the eye of filmmaker Ram Gopal  Varma. She will be seen in the eccentric Varma’s next project opposite Rana Daggubati. While it’s easy to put Nathalia into the ‘just another pretty face’ category, there’s a hint of something more behind the good looks. In RGV’s own words, “Her body literally looks like the perfect embodiment of an ultimate female figure. This combined with her ability on cue to give any expression that is asked of her is what I think will happen in only once in a decade and in this decade I think Nathalia is that girl”. Though born and brought-up in Brazil, Nathalia feels a strong bond with India and its spirit. She talks to us about her move to the subcontinent, starting out in Bollywood and her what connects her to India.

You started modeling at a young age. Did you always want to get into show business? How did the Indian side of your family react to it?
Yes, I did start modeling at a young age and it has been a fantastic experience. I got into show business because of my financial independence. I have always loved the idea of earning and achieving things by my own accord and hard work. I do not have any contact with my father’s side in India; however I do not think they would have had a problem with it.

You were born and raised in Brazil. What prompted you to move to India?
I came to India because of a modeling agency assignment and since then things have worked out for the good! It has been a spectacular experience ever since and it’s just made me realize that my heart belongs here now.

From Nathalia Pinheiro to Nathalia Kaur, what made you change the name?
I have actually not changed my name. I have three surnames and Pinheiro is my second name from my mother’s side.

Nathalia Kaur, the calendar girlWas Hindi cinema part of your growing years?
Honestly, I had never seen a Hindi film before coming to India. I believe Indian cinema is fascinating. The thought of being a little part of the audience’s life just amazes me and being a part of this has been a far away dream that I have finally achieved with a lot of hard work, focus and patience. I have been blessed with being at the right place at the right time with the right kind of people.

Why Bollywood?
I love Bollywood for its mere simplicity and the amazing people within the fraternity. I like the way films in India are made with the amount of intensity and happiness that goes into it. I feel like I belong to this space, it gives me a platform for self expression like no other medium can.

From being a Kingfisher Calendar Girl 2012 to being an actor, did you imagine that was going to happen?
Actually I met Ram Gopal  Varma (RGV) and was in contact with him for our first film before the Kingfisher hunt. At the time he was too busy shooting for Department and another project. Later, even I was very tied up with the Kingfisher hunt and the calendar. I went, worked hard, won the contest and shot for the calendar. But I always kept in touch with RGV for our projects together. What came in the meantime was just destiny.

The new item song Dan Dan has caught on with the masses. How do you feel?
I am very happy and satisfied with the song. For my hard work along with that of all the people who might have worked even harder than me behind the scenes to put together this amazing song, it’s recompense. I just want to thank everyone: Ramu, Sanju Sir, Rana, Master G, his assistants (dancers) and all the crew.

What’s the one thing your fans don’t know about you?
If I tell you they will come to know, right?

What connects you to India?
The people, their simplicity….and the kindness of everyone in this country.

Which part of you do you feel is the most Indian?
My eyes for sure, and my heart.

How do you see yourself standing out in the midst of so many newcomers like yourself, of mixed heritage?
I am myself, pursuing my dreams, doing my work. I look at myself in the mirror and I see 'Nathalia', what others are doing, is not up to me to comment upon.

Known to be one of the toughest to work with, filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma speaks quite highly of you. For someone  who is not from India, what’s the experience been like?
The experience has been amazing. He is highly intellectual, very eloquent and very clear with what he wants. He is a very good adviser and a great person to talk too.He has eagle eyes and can see beyond nude reality. He knows what you are capable of and will push you till you achieve it.