Glam it up: After doing several ramp shows during her college days, Nikiis friends cajoled her into taking part in the Gladrags Supermodel 2005 Contest. It came as a complete surprise to them that she bagged the title. Thats when I started taking modelling seriously, says the sultry lass. Nikii was ill with bronchitis, but worked diligently during the grooming period. My mornings started with an intravenous shot, followed by rigorous training. But thanks to the care I got from Maureen Wadia, I emerged as the winner, she adds gratefully.
Bollywood bound: After walking the ramp and doing various ads like Spykar Jeans, Globus, Bombay Dyeing, Paaneri etc, Nikki now wants to take up acting seriously and has joined Kishore Namit Kapoors Acting Institute, under whom famous stars like Hrithik Roshan and Kareena Kapoor have trained. She also starred in DJ Suketus music video Meri Nazar Hai Tujhpe opposite model Viraf Patel. I have been bitten by the acting bug and Bollywood is some place I definitely see myself in, she smiles. Nikii has been offered Bollywood films with good banners, but shes not got what she wants yet a good script and a great launch.
Bikini babe: I was in New York when I got a call from Atul Kasbekars office regarding the Kingfisher Swimsuit Special Calendar 2007 and I was ecstatic, exclaims Nikii. She was put on a strict protein diet and a work out regime was planned out for her. The calendar was shot on the French Riviera, in locations like Cannes, Monte Carlo and other exotic destinations. Dr Mallya and his son Siddharth were both present and we all had a blast together on his yacht, The Indian Empress.
Party hearty: Dr Mallya took us out to party often and he even took us to a beach called Niki Beach, she laughs. Atul (Kasbekar) has the knack of making women look sensuous without looking sleazy, and because of Gladrags, I was totally cool wearing a bikini, says Nikii. Her best but most difficult shot for the calendar was when she was posing at the edge of the boat, whilst it was sailing at high speed. I have an aqua phobia (shes scared of water) and was without a safety harness, but the end results of the shoot were totally worth it.
