Ami

Q. Tell us a little bit about you.
A. I grew up in NJ and began to love the performing arts, dance, modeling and singing at a very young age. I’ve had starring roles in several short films, music videos, and commercials. I’m also a host on ImaginAsian TV channel show Pulse: the Desi Beat along with a successful modeling, and commercial print career. For undergrad I attended Boston University and was a biology major. I’ve always had two goals in life-working with animals (I’m also a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine-attending Ross and Cornell Universities) and acting. Both of which I’m happy to have accomplished in this lifetime!!!

Q. Why did you start modeling or seek a career in entertainment?
A. It was always more of a hobby for me. A wonderful escape from reality. But after working for two years as a Veterinarian I began realizing that I was turning down some amazing opportunities, working terrible hours and getting very burnt out. Basically I realized that “You are only young once” and you need to follow your heart and happiness. For me it was a career in entertainment and I’ve never been happier.

Q. Are you disappointed with the lack of Indian Americans in the American entertainment industry? Do you think the landscape will change?
A, I think it’s already changing. Growing up there weren’t any Indians on TV. Now there are only a handful but still more than previously. As far as movies go, American culture is looking more and more to the marvels of Bollywood. We are slowly infiltrating the mainstream. I don’t think it’s going to happen right away but if you pay attention it is happening right before our eyes.

Q. Since Indian Americans have long been absent from the American entertainment industry, how important is it to have Indian Americans prominent in the entertainment industry? Where do you see yourself in the spectrum of rising Indian Americans in entertainment?
A. I feel like right now it is all new territory. It is an amazing time for the Indian American community to branch out into previously unheard of territories - to break down stereotypes and barriers in the realm of fashion, music and art. Being prominent in the entertainment industry is extremely important for Indian Americans right now. We need to support and encourage each other.

Q. Speak about the importance of the Indian community. Does it play a role in your career?
A, Being Indian and the community plays a large part in my career. You always think a little bit longer and a little bit harder about each role you take and what your family will think. That said, at the end of the day- I feel like as a community we aren’t known for pushing the envelope enough. This is the only way to create change and break down stereotypes.

Q. Who are your influences? Who do you look up to?
A. I look up to anyone who leaves the safe and comfortable route to follow their dreams.

Q. Who has most influenced your career?
A. I have an amazing family and friends. Although my parents weren’t exactly thrilled when I left my fulltime job to pursue acting, they were supportive because they knew that I was unhappy. At the end of the day, your parents just want to see you have joy. My friends are amazingly supportive.

Q. If you could meet any A-list celebrity – who would it be and why?
A. I don’t know. I guess I meet celebrities all the time dealing with my TV show and being in the industry. It doesn’t really faze me much. I enjoy meeting celebrities that are down to earth, happy and stable people.

Q. If you had any superpower, what would it be and why?
A. That’s easy! It would be to stop time……so I could always get enough sleep.

Q. What features do you get the most compliments on?
A. Probably my eyes and my smile.

Q. Do you ever feel insecure about the way you look?
A. I think everyone does. No body is perfect. You just have to love your flaws and strengths or you’ll make yourself crazy. I once had a client ask me if I could lose ten pounds in a week. I’m not even sure that’s humanely possible. These things happen in the industry. You have to be strong enough to say “take it or leave it buddy….”

Q. What do you look for in a guy?
A. Someone who is sincere, down to earth, loves his family and can make me laugh. That’s very important. And I don’t like guys who play games.

Q. How do you blow off a guy that you’re not interested in?
A. I’m not so good at that . There’s really no foolproof method. You can say “I have a boyfriend”and a guy can say “so?” Some guys are very brave….

Q. How do you attract a guy that you are interested in?
A. Smile, make good conversation, body language is important…..but smiling is key.

Q. How do you balance your professional, school, and social lives?
A. Just taking it one day at a time…

Q. How do you stay in shape, what type of exercise, what type of food do you eat? Is there anything that you love to eat, but can’t because it would add unwanted pounds?
A. I like to say working out is my full time job… It is! I do yoga, pilates, run, spin, free weights….
There is nothing I don’t eat. Not to say I eat junk all the time. I actually eat healthy most of the time. It allows you to have that piece of chocolate cake occasionally. If you deny yourself stuff and feel deprived, it makes you crave those bad things more. Everything in moderation….

Q. What is your beauty routine?
A. Nothing special. I always try to take my makeup off after shoots. Moisturize often. Get as much sleep as I can. I don’t smoke and wear sunscreen daily.

Q. Do you have any other guilty pleasures?
A. I like watching crappy tv shows. Reality tv. Mindless, brainless stuff.

Q. What is your biggest flaw?
A. I have a very hard time forgiving. If I feel betrayed its pretty much over. Ill still be friendly but its never the same.

Q. What are your hobbies?
A. I love working out, shopping, hanging out with my friends, traveling. I love the ocean and am a Certified Scuba Diver.

Q. What makes you happy?
A. Being with someone who gives you that warm butterflies in your stomach feeling.

Q. What makes you unhappy?
A. Fake people. Backstabbing people. Cocky people. People that abuse people or animals.

Q. What is it like being on the talent end of the industry as opposed to the corporate end? How difficult is it to go on auditions and not get the part? How do you deal with rejection?
A. You have to get used to rejection. If you don’t than you just won’t survive in the industry. And that feeling will carry on with you and affect your chances of booking the next job. You have to know that there will be rejection before you get into this line of work.

Q. What do you hope to get out of your modeling/acting career?
A. I would love to get a recurring role on a tv show and do more movies.

Q. After your modeling/acting days are over, what would you like to do with your lives? What career will you pursue? What are your dreams and goals?
A. I want to have a family and dogs some day. Maybe ill finally figure out how to have my own Animal Show and get the best of my acting and Veterinary career.