Where I was career-wise? I’d just landed a role in Shanti, the first daily soap on Indian TV. Plus, I had a job in advertising as a copy writer. I chose the path of Shanti.
My mindset: I was embarking on something I had no experience in, no inclination towards. Advertising was what I wanted to do. But Shanti was offered to me. It was a crossroads moment in my life.
The actor briefly stayed with her brother, Harmeet and sister-in- law, Dipika when she started working in Shanti
No romance? Absolutely nil!
My fashion sense: Jeans and shirts, a couple of salwar-kameez sets and I could just about drape a sari. No brands.
(Right) Mandira now, 48, and her classic Shanti look at 22
The food I loved: Asian and South Indian cuisines because both have excellent vegetarian options.
The money situation: Advertising offered me ₹5,000 a month. Shanti offered 30K a month. Money had a lot do with my choice!
Mandira in Singapore with her nephew Karan
And family? My parents moved to Delhi when my father retired. I stayed on in Mumbai.
Where I was headed: My goal was to give Shanti a shot and then get into advertising.
“Money made me decide in favour of taking up acting as a career”
The fitness quotient: Boy! I wish I had a fitness quotient. I would go for a walk once or twice a week.
The two looks of Mandira when she was shooting for Aurat
And finally, a story from back then: My father told me, ‘What you are doing is very brave; you are trying something that you don’t know much about. I am proud of you.’ That was the only time I have seen tears in my father’s eyes.
See more photos here
From HT Brunch, September 13, 2020
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