Gizele Thakral: 'First of all I am a good actor and then I may be the bombshell'

The Kyaa Kool Hain Hum 3 actress, Bigg Boss star and former UAE resident is looking for serious roles PLUS is a possible Dubai romance on the cards?

SHE KNOWS THE city well. As we look to meet Bollywood actress Gizele Thakral she is able to give precise directions to her Jumeriah Beach Residence apartment. She's a frequent visitor, true, but also a three-year Bur Dubai resident during her school days. Whilst JBR may not have been around then there exists a familiarity with areas' names not usually forthcoming from Mumbai's film stars.

"The reason I stay here is because of the beach," she says looking out of the window onto the shore below. "I love Atlantis. I was staying there for a week three years back. I went for the swimming with dolphins," she adds although quickly emphasises that talking to us will hopefully be almost as much fun. And that's the impression Gizele evokes - polite, upfront and candid. We ask if there's anything she wouldn't feel comfortable talking about. A simple 'no' is the answer.

Beginning to make a name for herself by playing the typical bombshell in films including adult comedies Kyaa Kool Hain Hum 3 (KKHH3) and Mastizaade, the Rajasthan-born performer came through the modelling and reality TV show route. Her stint on the ninth season of Bigg Boss garnered much coverage although she has also appeared on Survivor and India's version of Come Dine With Me, Welcome Baazi Mehmaan Nawaazi.

Although not her favoured parts, Gizele says taking those roles in the 2016 films is a necessary step for someone breaking into the Indian movie business.

"In Bollywood they typecast you, which I don't like. I'm still new so I have to work through it. I get those roles for my look.

"Because it was all glamour people don't see that it was difficult to play my part in KKHH3.

"First of all I am a good actor and then I may be the 'bombshell,' or 'curvy girl,' or 'big lips,' whatever they call me, but I consider myself an actor first."

So what parts would she prefer?

"I would love to do a thriller or action. I'm good at emotional scenes, so maybe a psychopath. Why not? It pushes boundaries. I'd like to do a horror movie. I'd like to do something different because I have an edgy, different look.

"Some people say it's not a good thing to look so different. I think it's a plus point. I can do more than the innocent girl next door."

Could you be Gizele's dream Dubai partner?

"I prefer long distance relationships. I'm working all the time so I can't give that much time to one person every single day. My mum is very important to me, so I need time for her too. Dubai is just a short flight away. Plus that means I get to come here more!"

But what type of person measures up?

"I'm a Virgo and I'm very choosy. I've been single for three years. I know exactly what I want. I'm good at analysing a person. I wouldn't settle for less. I don't need to be in a relationship.

"Things I look for:

1) He should be caring.

2) I should look up to him. I don't want someone I have to baby. I look to someone mature. I'm very childish. I need to be told what to do.

3) I like guys who can be a saviour. Someone who is macho so other guys don't approach you."

Most important person?

"My mum. I lost my dad when I was young. My mum was also a young lady. I don't have any brothers or sisters, so it is just me and her. Her elder sister also took care of me. I respect the fact that she never remarried for me. She gave up her job and travelled with me from when I started modelling. She takes care of me. She really wanted me to be an actor. She wants me to grow and do different parts."

Downsides of fame?

"I recently had a bad experience. Because of the movies I have done, I am the bombshell and people look at me as a sexy girl. I was coming out of a salon and this guy wanted to take a selfie. We were taking normal selfies and then this guy tried to grab me. It was so scary. I had to call security. He ran away. I'm a bit scared of taking selfies with people now."

Style tips

"Sometimes people put too much emphasis on being skinny. If you're curvy, like I am, then it is difficult to be stylish without being labelled overly sexy. It's just a body type! Don't follow what everyone else is doing. Comfortable is good and stand out a bit."

• City Times