Interview with- Ann Mathew

The best thing about Ann Mathew is the way her unquestionably attractive features are matched by her unquestionably sincere character. Though she comes loaded with all the paraphernalia of stardom - beauty and a heap load of talent - she is yet to carve a niche for herself. But that may change in very near future. Work is progressing fast on her new movie Only in New York and when the movie gets released it may as well prove to be the proverbial magic carpet that would take Ann soaring upwards, to the dizzying levels of stardom.

When questioned about her new movie she sounds bubbly with joy. "Basically the story revolves around three guys from Sri Lanka who migrate to New York," she explains. "They live together, and have their lives and personal dramas played out as they learn about themselves. I play Susie, the girlfriend of this guy named Eric. He is 'playing' both me and another girl whose name is Maya. Filming this was really fun and an amazing experience as I actually got to feel the emotions in this film as though it was really happening to me." The film sounds like a must-see and the grapevine has it that Ann has managed to send all the right signals through her impeccable performance. ”

It is difficult not be infected by Ann's enthusiasm as you hear her talk about her film and her modeling work and you find yourself wondering why hasn't she received the same critical or fan approval as her counterparts in Bollywood. Well, the answer is not difficult to discern - Ann isn't to blame since she wasn't given the same airplay. She couldn't find a Godfather to roll out a red carpet in front of her and ease her foray into the cutthroat world of Bollywood. Maybe the Godfathers of Bollywood failed to take a close enough look at Ann, or they would have seen what I can so easily discern - Ann's pretty face is by itself a certain guarantee for a packed house at every film she is cast in. Ann sounds a bit nostalgic when she talks about her dreams of being a big star. She says, "I would really like to be an international film actress. I would love to enter Bollywood and make some great films. We have such an amazing film industry and such a beautiful culture; I want to be a part of all that. There are so many talented filmmakers such as Karan Johar and Pooja Bhatt whom I would love to work with in the future. I would also like to make Hollywood films. Doing a TV series would be great fun too. Hey given a chance I might go in for doing a film's screenplay. I am quite well versed in the art of writing, you know. There are so many things that I want to accomplish in my life."

Here are the answers to some of the questions that were pressing in our minds.

Royal Magazine - What modeling/acting gigs have you done in the past? Ann Mathew - I have been doing modeling since I was in college. I have done ethnic fashion shows in college during International Week such as Indian and Pakistani student associations fashion shows. I have modeled on the runway for an upcoming designer in New York named Soni. I have done bridal and swimsuit shoots. As far as real acting is concerned, I have done the TV show The Shield, and The Gonzo Show, music videos for The X'ecutioners and Alyse Phoenix, TV commercials for the Discovery Channel and a doctor's office. It's all been great fun!

RM - Why did you decide to enter the entertainment industry?
AM - I have always been creative even as a child. I used to imagine things and scenarios and act them out. My favorite pastime was to entertain my family with my antics. So I thought being in the entertainment industry was perfect for me as it allowed me to have a creative outlet for all my pent up energies. Also I wanted to represent the Indian culture in a positive light and try to be a role model for other Indians. It is a hard road but definitely fun and worth it.

RM - What inspired you to become an actress and was your family supportive?
AM - I am fascinated by the human experience with all its trials and tribulations, its ups and downs, and joys and beauties. The idea of enacting different characters on the screen is something that I would like to do again and again. My family is very supportive of me no matter what I do. I am very blessed.

RM - Whom do you admire?
AM - I admire my parents the most, as they are kind, loving, moral, and best of all they love me to the limit. I admire Aishwarya Rai who is not only beautiful but talks with such intelligence and grace that it is a delight to hear her talk. I also love the way Bipasha Basu carries herself in such a classy and intelligent way. Shah Rukh Khan is so talented and humble. I also like Kate Winslet, Nicole Kidman, Meryl Streep, and Eva Mendes.

RM - What do you like to do in your spare time?
AM - Well, I do not have that much spare time, as alongside my acting and modeling work I also work full time as a pharmacist. However, when I am free I like to spend time with my family and friends. I also like to cook because it is so relaxing, as well as creative. I work out as that keeps me focused. I also like to do lots of reading and have a penchant for fashion.

RM - When did you first realize that guys started hitting on you or noticing you?
AM - It all started in junior high school, which took me by surprise because it happened so suddenly.

RM - Are you in a relationship and what do you look for in a partner?
AM - No I am currently not in a relationship (but looking). I look for kindness, humility, spirituality, family values, and to keep things jazzed up also a bit of adventure and fun.

RM - Tell us two things that our readers would be surprised to know?
AM - I am a very goofy and funny character. I have many voices and accents, some of which sound quite amusing. Luckily my best friend has the same wacky sense of humor so we stay on phone laughing so hard almost every day. I am also very domesticated and love cooking, cleaning (yep, cleaning) and kids.

RM - What was your first job?
AM - I sold clothes in a surf/skate shop. I was not very good at it as I really knew nothing about those kinds of things and could not meet my sales quota. I then sold clothing in a men's store and I confess that I was very good at that!

RM - What's your favorite movie, book, and CD?
AM - My favorite movie has got to be Memoirs of a Geisha and I can't forget Jism, favorite book is Tess of the D'urbevilles, and CD is Justin Timberlake's Futurelove/SexSounds.

RM - What is the kinkiest thing you have ever done?
AM - Hmmm. A lady never tells.

RM - What is your favorite fantasy?
AM - My fantasy is to be able to write and direct a movie that will become a must watch for all upcoming actors. I want it to work in films that can touch people to the core of their heart and arise in them new perspectives towards life. I also have a heart for the elderly and physically challenged, I would like to open facilities to take care of this very special part of the population. RM - What are your turn offs?
AM - My turn offs are snobbery, racism, know it alls, and loud, obnoxious swearing.

RM - Do you have any pets?
AM - No but I would love to get a small dog!

RM - What's the nicest thing someone has ever done for you?
AM - It has to be the sacrifices my parents made for me to go to college. They gave me such kindness and loving support when I needed it the most.