Model Jesse loves working with designers Wendell Rodricks, Gavin Miguel and Rohit Verma.

Pilot Jesse aborts takeoff to pursue modeling career

Pilot Jesse Randhawa’s career was set for a takeoff.

But the commercial pilot found herself in a bit of turbulence. She began to realize that piloting was not something she wanted to do.

Jesse then decided to ground herself, and follow her true passion: modeling. Proving to be as talented as she is pretty, Jesse sizzled on the ramp, and started featuring on  covers of fashion magazines.

And if that wasn’t enough, she began getting roles in films, and since then her career graph has seen consistent rise. Jesse has acted in many Bollywood films but is well-known for her roles in “No Smoking,” and “Gulaal “ in which she plays a lecturer.

Jesse is also a trained kick boxer and ballroom dancer. As a dancer, she cast her magical spell on the audience at the World Economic Forum.

The media shy-actress rarely offers interviews, and calls herself a “private person.” Jesse was among the finalists in the Miss India contest alongside Miss Universe Aishwarya Rai and Sushmita Sen.

From Wendell Rodricks to Gavin Miguel to Rohit Verma, Jesse has teamed up with the industry’s top designers.

Success has not changed the tall and graceful star as she has her feet firmly planted on the terra firma.

In an exclusive interview with this writer, Jesse talks about her career path, Indian fashion industry and ballroom dancing, among other things.

Question: What prompted you to switch career from a pilot to model? Was it a difficult transition?

A: Yeah it was difficult because I had spent a lot of time and money to get my pilot’s license. But at the same time, I was passionate about modeling. Having said that, I was ready to get back to flying if modeling didn’t click for me.

Q:Do you have any regrets when you look back on your airline career?

A: I have no regrets that I sacrificed my pilot career for modeling. I am very happy with the way things are going for me both as a model and an actress.

Q:Can you tell us something about your kick boxing career? Did you receive any formal training in that?

A: During my school and college days, I practiced Taekwondo regularly but lost touch as modeling took off. However, later I took to kick boxing to stay fit and healthy. I attained senior belt level.

Q: Which profession you enjoy the most?

A: I like to balance them all---be it modeling, acting or dancing. I enjoy each of them, and do it to the best of my abilities.

Q: How did ballroom dancing happen?

A: Ballroom dancing happened when I met the king of dance---Sandip Soparrkar. His posture, body language and attitude inspired me to take up dancing. In a nutshell, Sandip’s vivacious persona drew me into dancing. We later got into a relationship, and we are now happily married.

Q: Can you talk about some of your ongoing projects as a model/actress?

A: I am currently associated with many shows, including fashion and Television. I am also doing a few films, but not in a position to divulge the details due to the non-disclosure agreement. These projects are keeping me pre-occupied.

Q: Of late we are seeing a lot of foreign models entering into the Indian industry...do you believe they use the fashion industry as a gateway to Bollywood?

A: To be honest, some of them enter Bollywood with that in mind. However, for many it’s pure passion. It would be unfair to paint everyone with the same brush.

Q: A lot of foreign brands have come into India, thereby creating a stiff competition. Many local brands are now struggling...what’s your take on this?

A: Competition is always good. It improves creativity and the quality of products, and this is great from the consumer’s point of view.

Q: Name some of the fashion designers who you enjoy working with, and what sets them apart?

A: I love working with Wendell Rodricks, Sabyasachi, Gavin Miguel, Shahab Durazi, Rohit Bal and Narendra Kumar. They are all distinctive in their creativity and style. In short, they are the true trendsetters of fashion in India.

Q: What advice would you give to young aspiring models?

A: The things that work well for a model is...be yourself, never copy, feel comfortable and enjoy being you. Only then people will love you.

Q: How much importance do you attach to social media to promote your personal brand?

A: I am not into social media. I am neither on Facebook nor on Twitter. I am a very private person and like to keep myself that way. I am very happy with my family and my close friends knowing me.

Q: Are you content with what you have achieved so far as a model and actress?

A: I believe no artist has a sense of contentment. We all keep raising the bar and I am no different.