A total go-getter, Elena Fernandes is a face we have seen in many Bollywood blockbusters. She has been a part of some fantastic projects, and we had the pleasure of sitting down with her for an exclusive feature for Grazia Pakistan!
Photographer: Alexandre Pichon
www.alexandrepichon.com
Creative Direction: Kaniz Ali
Instagram @kanizali
Outfit & Jewellery: Nim’s Boutique
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Hair/MakeUp/Styling: Kaniz Ali using @toofaceduk
www.toofaced.co.uk
Instagram @kanizali
Grazia: How did you enter the world of acting? Tell us about your journey to fame?
Elena Fernandes: Acting for me was a natural transition. I started my career as a model which I feel is silent acting. My first acting break was Dharma Productions’ smash hit “Kapoor and Sons”.I have been exceptionally fortunate to work with the biggest productions houses and Bollywood actors. It is truly a surreal experience. Definitely a pinch-me moment. From “Kapoor and Sons” to “Badla”, “Jawaani Jaaneman”, “Laxmi”, “Housefull4” and now “Ek Villian Returns”, the hard work is definitely paying off.
I take my craft very seriously and continue to work on always performing to the best of my ability.
Grazia: Was acting always something you wanted to do or did you have another career in mind?
Elena Fernandes: I am an academic at heart so acting never actually crossed my mind. I studied law and the plan was to practice it. For now, that is on hold. However, I truly enjoy the craft of acting and fully enjoy spending time on set. I feel that it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I am excited to see where this path continues to take me.
Grazia: What is the best advice you can give to any newcomer entering the world of acting?
Elena Fernandes: Persistence is key. You will not be everyone’s cup of tea but keep going. Keep testing and casting as much as possible. Play around with a range of emotions and really push yourself.
Grazia: Who is the next person you would like to star next to and work with?
Elena Fernandes: I would love to work with SRK. I feel that he is the embodiment of Bollywood. To share screen space with him would definitely be a dream.
Garzia: What do you do to keep yourself present in the world of fashion?
Elena Fernandes: I am a regular fixture at the fashion weeks from New York to London, Paris as well as Milan. I still model a lot so am always aware of the current trends and upcoming season ideas. I feel that fashion is very personal and very authentic to you. I do not try to follow trends and instead interpret fashion to my own personality.
Grazia: What do you love doing in your spare time?
Elena Fernandes: I love reading and spending time with my pets as well as focussing on my charity work. I like to use my platform to raise awareness on social and animal welfare issues. I’m driven to make a difference in society.
Grazia: Where are you mostly based?
Elena Fernandes: I am mainly based in London but I am always on a plane. I go where there is work.
Grazia: Which film are you currently working on at the moment?
Elena Fernandes: I have just finished filming for “Ek Villain Returns” alongside Arjun Kapoor with director Mohit Suri at the helm. My character was definitely challenging and I learned a lot. I’m excited for the performance part of the film as that was definitely new for me. Singing, dancing, acting in a scene definitely is challenging but it really pushed my abilities as an actor. I am very excited for this film to hit the screens. I am eager to get the public’s opinion on my performance which I hope they enjoy.
