"Initially, I wanted to be a full-time model and never thought I could act. As time went by, modelling became not that exciting or enjoyable as posing in front of the camera became monotonous. Also, I felt my name was not being highlighted. The name gets highlighted only in films. So I wanted to act." Nothing could be more true than this statement by Tapsee Pannu, an Indian actress, on her wikipedia page. This is the root cause for 99% of the models, to give acting a shot; other than the fact that modeling has a shelf life of 5 years; the best manipulate 10 years!
The most important myth that a model needs to bust is that models make bad actors! A reason could be as a model, you ought to be conscious of camera; as an actor it's the exact opposite! Again, modeling and acting are totally different vocations. You might be a top-model, but when you want to act, you have to start from scratch! Yes, being a top model, gives you a definitive edge over other aspiring actors, but it is all about how the audition goes and most importantly the attitude.
Almost all directors or producers like no-air actors; unless you are a superstar that can sell the film! Again, many models feel that playing small roles in big films will pave way for bigger roles, that doesn't happen!
There is a long list of winners and title holders of Miss India pageant and in the last decade many of them (some are dear friends too) committed professional harakiri; they did second lead, item numbers, cameos in top banners, but after a year or two, they just faded into oblivion. I have always said, have a look at the script. Assess your role, look at the length of it; if you feel the role is substantial do it; set-up though important is not the only attribute that catapults a model to movie stardom!
