Iulia Vantur takes on trolls, opens up about good friend Salman Khan and describing Mumbai as her home, says 'Home is where the heart is'
For someone who is seen way more than she is heard in the public domain, Iulia Vantur instantly registers her presence with a pronounced accent and wit. She is also strikingly articulate in a retelling of her discovery of India — walking through the streets of Rishikesh during her maiden visit, exploring art in Rajasthan, and acquainting herself with the vibe of Mumbai, which she has come to call home over the last few years. In this interview, the 37-year-old TV hostsinger (she was never an actress, she clarifies after frequently being called one) talks about lesser-known aspects of her life in Romania, her equation with Salman Khan and Bollywood aspirations.
Your friendship with Salman Khan and proximity to his family has made headlines in the last two years. Is it somewhat tiring to remain silent on the subject, especially since you live in Mumbai now?
I was 19 when I walked into a newsroom for the first time. I had heard that a channel was looking for an anchor. I was going to drop in my CV and leave, when an assistant told me that the producer hated blondes and I didn’t stand a chance. I insisted on giving it a shot anyway. As luck would have it, the producer walked by right then and upon learning that I wanted to be an anchor, asked me if I’d take the test right away. I was young and hesitant but I aced it and landed the job. I worked as a news anchor for the next 15 years, writing, editing news stories and becoming an independent, working woman in the process. I was winning at life.I went on to host Dancing with the Stars for eight seasons. So, I don’t scare easy. And I don’t focus on the negativity.
Nobody knows this side of you...
This story is from the February 2018 edition of GLOBAL MOVIE MAGAZINE.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the February 2018 edition of GLOBAL MOVIE MAGAZINE.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
'Women don't have to only sing and dance'
'When you are new, you don't know how the industry works.' 'But when you know where you are headed, the possibilities of being conned or facing unpleasant instances is reduced.
I haven't done homework for my films'
'In India, I'm able to work with the biggest stars on creating a scene, creating that emotion, without being too hung up on their persona.
'I learned about Bollywood by being a part of it'
'In India, I'm able to work with the biggest stars on creating a scene, creating that emotion, without being too hung up on their persona.
'MY FACE IS MY GREATEST USP'
'My tool is the way I look. This is the only thing that distinguishes me.' 'Most of us dress similarly. What sets you apart is your face. If you change that also, you're like anybody else.
'My Life Was In Danger'
\"I received many threatening calls and letters.' 'A fatwa was issued against me.'
'I AM BRAHMA, VISHNU, MAHESH!'
Tanishaa Mukerji started her acting career with a bang when she got to play a YRF heroine in her second film Neal 'n' Nikki (2005).
Everybody would say I should act like My Sister
‘Padmini and are very different people.’ Our acting styles are very different. She's from a different era.’
'Girls Are Becoming Suicide Bombers'
'When I am doing a film, that film is not propaganda for me. That's a true thing.
'Four women in their 60s followed me...'
'Don't object to change; understand why people like it.' 'Don't object to change; understand why people like it.'
'EVERYBODY REJECTED ME'
It is only fair that being around the industry has to rub off on its children.
