Jayati’s getting Gippi with it
Former IPL chairman Lalit Modi’s niece, 17-year-old Jayati Modi makes her Bollywood debut with Karan Johar and Sonam Nair’s Gippi. She talks about her tinseltown ambitions and more.
How did you bag the role in Gippi?
It was through word of mouth. I heard about the auditions and when I reached there, I was very nervous. Assistant director Faraz Arif Ansari consoled me somewhat by saying that nearly 30,000 kids had auditioned. After 10 days, I was short-listed. I auditioned once again, with 30 other kids, and was signed a week later.
It was through word of mouth. I heard about the auditions and when I reached there, I was very nervous. Assistant director Faraz Arif Ansari consoled me somewhat by saying that nearly 30,000 kids had auditioned. After 10 days, I was short-listed. I auditioned once again, with 30 other kids, and was signed a week later.
Will you continue with your studies?
I am in Class 12. Studies will remain a priority because I do need to complete my graduation. But I want to act too.
I am in Class 12. Studies will remain a priority because I do need to complete my graduation. But I want to act too.
Coming from a business background, how open were your parents to your joining films?
I was born into a business family and have been acting since I was in Class Six. I did theatre in school and commercial theatre outside, on different platforms. I specialised in theatre as it was a dream to act in the movies. I was hugely influenced by Karan Johar’s films and have watched every film from his production house.
My parents didn’t know I was auditioning... I live in Delhi in a joint family. My family was apprehensive when I got the role as everyone has heard so much about the industry... there are a lot of negatives. They know other parents from film families but I chose to get myself a place in this arena with my own talent. My parents were supportive once they got to know the film’s team. In my family, everyone has had their own business — no one interferes in each other’s passion. My father, Sunil Modi, owns the Modi group of companies. My uncle, Lalit Modi, is into cricket and we are a close family, yes! Right now he is stationed in London, hope all the controversies get over and he comes back to India.
I was born into a business family and have been acting since I was in Class Six. I did theatre in school and commercial theatre outside, on different platforms. I specialised in theatre as it was a dream to act in the movies. I was hugely influenced by Karan Johar’s films and have watched every film from his production house.
My parents didn’t know I was auditioning... I live in Delhi in a joint family. My family was apprehensive when I got the role as everyone has heard so much about the industry... there are a lot of negatives. They know other parents from film families but I chose to get myself a place in this arena with my own talent. My parents were supportive once they got to know the film’s team. In my family, everyone has had their own business — no one interferes in each other’s passion. My father, Sunil Modi, owns the Modi group of companies. My uncle, Lalit Modi, is into cricket and we are a close family, yes! Right now he is stationed in London, hope all the controversies get over and he comes back to India.
Tell us about your role.
I play a role with grey shades. I am the bitchy sort... I’m great at studies, sports, popular, good looking. There are conflicts over love as well.
I play a role with grey shades. I am the bitchy sort... I’m great at studies, sports, popular, good looking. There are conflicts over love as well.
Any incidents in the film that reminded you of real life?
I remember there was a fat girl in Class Ten in our school, and we would make fun of her...
I remember there was a fat girl in Class Ten in our school, and we would make fun of her...
Any crushes?
I think my first crush was when I was in Class Five, and my first heartbreak occurred in the same year too. He was in the theatre group — and in love with my best friend!
I was quite a tomboy till class Eight. In a way I was lucky when I was growing up: I was skinny and I skipped issues like waxing or wearing a bra for the fist time. Not many boys were attracted to me.
I think my first crush was when I was in Class Five, and my first heartbreak occurred in the same year too. He was in the theatre group — and in love with my best friend!
I was quite a tomboy till class Eight. In a way I was lucky when I was growing up: I was skinny and I skipped issues like waxing or wearing a bra for the fist time. Not many boys were attracted to me.
Has life changed after Gippi?
Working on a film has changed my whole perception of glitz and glamour. It has made me grow up, made me more focused. I was 17 while my co-stars were 13 and 14. Being older to them brought in a sense of responsibility. The gruelling schedules are tough. You have to look and give your best no matter how tired or sleepy you may be. I worked for 12 hours regularly. You don’t realise how much effort is put into even a flop film.
Working on a film has changed my whole perception of glitz and glamour. It has made me grow up, made me more focused. I was 17 while my co-stars were 13 and 14. Being older to them brought in a sense of responsibility. The gruelling schedules are tough. You have to look and give your best no matter how tired or sleepy you may be. I worked for 12 hours regularly. You don’t realise how much effort is put into even a flop film.
Will you ever venture into any business ?
I may hail from an influential family but I want to make it on my own. My dadi is a fashion designer, she made it on her own. She has her own chain of restaurants. I want to act for a few years and then pursue an MBA and get into business.
I may hail from an influential family but I want to make it on my own. My dadi is a fashion designer, she made it on her own. She has her own chain of restaurants. I want to act for a few years and then pursue an MBA and get into business.
