I first met Disha Patani when she modelled for me. We were shooting a television commercial for Pond’s Dreamflower Talc and she was the new face of the brand. All I knew about her was that she had played the Indian cricketer and former captain’s first love in M. S. Dhoni: The Untold Story. I had seen her in the film and remembered that she was good looking. Very. She was a picture of loveliness. I recall thinking that her boyfriend, fellow actor, Tiger Shroff, is one lucky guy, as I saw him drop her off at the shoot location in Bandra. Sometimes models are merely photogenic—they look beautiful on camera but are a disappointment in person. But not Disha.
Willowy. The word that came to mind as I saw her walking towards me, leggy and lissome. As I began to interact with her, I found her smart, easy-going, and—in an industry where people learn to throw starry tantrums even before they become stars— refreshingly ‘undivalike’.
I learned two other things about Disha that day: The first was that she was a good dancer. This was great news as our ad required her to trip the light fantastic. The second was that I had been mispronouncing her surname. Yes, I know. A bit embarrassing. It turned out that it wasn’t Pataani, as I had been saying. “It’s pronounced Paatni,” Disha gently corrected me.
Our shoot went off brilliantly. Disha executed her steps with élan. Her expressive face and eyes conveyed the requisite emotions perfectly. And she looked flawless through it all.
So, a few months later, when Bazaar asked if I would write about the actor, I readily agreed. And there I was face to face with her again.
This story is from the July/August 2017 edition of Harper's Bazaar India.
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 July/August 2017 edition of Harper's Bazaar India.
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
...Carry A Rockstar Look?
Remember the iconic advice from Bob Dylan: "Sometimes you have to bite your lip and put on some sunglasses"? He, of course, took it strictly, crafting his musician persona with those classic black Ray-Ban Wayfarers. Now it's your chance to create your own stylish journey with a timeless touch of sophistication.
The Yarn Story
A slew of homegrown labels are making a case for why knitwear could be a year-round choice.
HOLA BARCELONA!
From art, culture, and architecture to a buzzing nightlife, Spain's second-largest city has something for everyone.
BEAUTY NEWS
All that's fresh in the world of beauty right now.
THE NEW FRONTIER
Explore the shift towards holistic body care.
'CELEBRATE YOUR SKIN TONE'
In an exclusive conversation with Bazaar India, make-up mogul Laura Mercier, who recently launched her products in India, talks about her career, the flawless look that she pioneered, and shares make-up tips.
GREAT STRIDES
A psychoanalyst explores how women have taken control of the sartorial narrative over the centuries, embracing fashion as a subtle yet powerful form of self-expression.
FROM ASCENT TO APEX
When rising star ANANYA PANDAY crosses paths with resurgent legend ZEENAT AMAN, it's a celebration of womanhood in all its glory.
INDIAN LEGACY, GLOBAL OUTLOOK
Tracing Welspun Living's journey from its humble beginnings in Gujarat to its international dominance in the home textile industry.
PAGE TURNERS
These forbidden romance' novels defy expectations and redefine love.