Meer Ali ' From Ramp to Reel

From modeling to acting and more...The ace model Meer Ali talks about his upcoming Bollywood movie, "W", due for release and confesses Hollywood being his ultimate dream. He also throws light on various aspects of his personal and professional space. Read on...

(Photo credit: Paul David Martin)

A walk down memory lane...how did the journey begin in this world of glitz and glamour?
The credit goes to my Mr. College contest which I won and it was then that I introspected about my life and future.Things were gloomy didn't know where to start but the ambition and zeal in me to make it big, kept me going and I landed into Gladrags 2007 and managed to take it to a different level from there.

Bollywood in the pipeline?
Certainly ...one of my Bollywood movies is due for release called "W" but I am on a hunt for Hollywood films as well, since the market has globalised and lot of Indian movies are being watched and considered throughout the world. I would definitely not want to restrict myself to only Bollywood,there are lot of film makers from various countries willing to explore Indian market. So for now its Bollywood but yes Hollywood is my final destination.

From a model to an actor... when would this complete transformation happen?
I think a model has a very limited shelf life, which is age barred, if I look at fashion I think the right age to model would be from 17 to may be 26 ..but there's a high that you get in any career which one needs to understand and change the gear at the right time. If that transformation doesn't happen at the right time then I think people will start taking you for granted ... as the market is all about freshness and something which is new and different.
There are very few models who were successful in getting that transition in their career and I salute them, if one is looking at getting that transition then not only films but TV is also a very good option.

An interesting incident on the sets during a photo shoot/video shoot/ramp...
A lot of mishaps happen during shows and shoots ...but then no one gets to know unless it's a big blunder ...or a malfunction. Right now the one that comes to my mind is in one of my shows which had a very little change time so I was pushed on the ramp without me buttoning my shirt but then no one knows its you or the choreographer or the designer, I got on to the ramp and ya people thought that's how my garment was styled and it was a smooth ride...
But yes, I have seen female models tripping on the ramp breaking their heals and still managing out very elegantly with all the poise.

Meer in real life as compared to Meer as a professional?
I am a very simple person in real life. I am more of an observer, a lot into reading people and understanding different human behavioral temperaments and body language as it helps in my work. I just stick to basics waking up on time, sleeping on time, working out and not thinking too much and giving my 100 % in whateverI do. And in real life I live the character that I am portraying. lol

If not in this profession, where would you have been?
I feel this is something that I was born for. Worst case I would have been working for some company managing the sales team . If not I would have had my chain of gyms.

Idol in life and why?
I admire Sylvester Stallon, and yes all the Khans from Bollywood .
Stallon - cos I feel he is a trendsetter and he being one of the most handsome men ever born on this planet had an impression on every guy who watched him doing those movies ,let it be Rambo or Rocky .. there is a fight which teaches you to be a fighter and not give up no matter what the condition .
Shahrukh - proved that a lay man also can be a star and a performer with all his persona and intelligence .
Salman - influenced the whole nation to an extent that everyone wants to be fit .
Aamir - proved that offbeat films can also be commercially viable.

Fitness mantra
Eat healthy and sleep on time

A typical off day in your diary
For me off is a boring day because me being a workaholic I prefer being on the sets in front of the camera performing. As this gives me an adrenal rush ..but yes on a day off I go out with friends try to catch up with new movies.

Projects in the pipeline
As of now one of my shows called Shapath is on air which is on (Life OK ) and yes couple of film projects are under discussion. Let's see how it shapes up.

Rapid Fire:

Favourite Model
Arjun Rampal ( Successful transition from a Model to an actor )

Most fit Bollywood actor
The undisputed Salman Khan

Bollywood best figure - female
Deepika Padikone

1st crush
I was in my 8th standard and liked my science teacher. I fell for her eyes completely

Love is...
Beautiful and a feeling of being blessed, it's like the first rain after crazy summers and the first ray of sun
light in the darkness. The first bite of food when you are hungry

3 wardrobe essentials
Shoes, jeans and good perfume

Dream destination
Want to settle in Bahamas in my old age just by the beach

Your dream role...
Yet to happen ..but I loved Tom hanks role in Cast Away and Al Pacino in Scarface.

Dream vehicle
Aston Martin (British manufacture)luxury sports cars of James Bond

Favourite perfume
Paco Rabanne 1 Million

Favourite designer
Manish Malhotra, Vikram Phadnis, Rocky S to top the list

Can't resist...
A good Role (lol)