Clement Pais
Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, May 25: Yet another beauty from Mangaluru is all set to charm the film industry. Multi-talented Disha Dinakar, 'Miss Mangalore 2012', a doctor by profession, and a model for print ads, is making her debut in Malayalam movie 'One Day', which will be releasing soon, and taking the plunge into Sandalwood industry in the near future.

Disha was born and brought up in Muscat. Her father Dinakar Bhat has been running his own building materials business from the past 30 years in the Gulf region, with her mother Vijaya Dinakar assisting him.

Disha completed MBBS studies from AJ Institute of Medical Sciences (AJIMS) this year. Being a doctor who knows the importance of organ donation, Disha says that she has decided to donate her eyes after death. She is also a great swimmer, has passion for dance and acting, and strongly believes 'medicine is my profession, and acting is my hobby, more of a passion'. Says she, "It was my dream to become a doctor as I wanted to serve the society, but acting is my interest. My talent will go hand in hand with my profession."

In an exclusive interview to daijiworld, Disha speaks of her career, future plans, family and much more.

Excerpts

When did u start modeling?

Disha: Right from school days I was participating in cultural events, and I continued doing so till my college days. After I won the Miss Mangalore 2012 title, I was offered many Sandalwood lead roles but as I was at the peak of my studies I could not take the offers, but I was doing various print ads in Mangaluru, Bengaluru and Muscat. I was also brand ambassador Chetanas Beauty Studio in Mangaluru.

How are you connected to Mangaluru?

Disha: Even though I was not born here, I used to come here during my vacations. I love the city, it is so clean and safe, and I love the Mangalurean cuisine. I used to hear from others that AJ Institute provides the best education in medicine, so I decided to study here. I have many relatives here and my parents from Vittal.

What role has your family played in your career?

Disha: My mother is my role model and a great source of inspiration, my father too gives me plenty of support in anything I am interested in. It was their wish that I should participate in the Miss Mangalore 2012 competition. I do not have siblings, so my parents are my only best friends.

What do you feel about the rising atrocities against women and children?

Disha: I am a feminist. Women do not have equal rights like men. Men always have an edge over women, and this has to change. It happens only in the Indian society and not in western culture. Now women are educated, but still most men feel they can dominate women. This mentality has to change. If men can safely go out till late night, women too should also feel safe in doing so. People should respect genders equally. The parents of a boy should teach him the importance of respecting women.

What is one unique quality that makes you stand out from others?

Disha: I am a very humble person, and even though I am short-tempered by nature, being an only daughter who never lived in India, I took very less time to adjust and study here. I adjusted with everything and I do not complain or feel cranky about anything.

Are you religious?

Disha: I am very religious, but I do not belive in the caste system.

Tell us something about your Malayalam movie 'One Day'

Disha: It is my debut as an actress, and my co-actor is also a debutant - Fawaz Zayani who has acted in serials in Sun TV. Maqbool Salmaan, the celebrated Mammootty's nephew is also in the movie. This is a hero-oriented movie but my role is also important. I have worked very hard for the movie. We shot for about 13-14 hours a day. The movie was shot in Thiruvananthapuram.

What are your future plans?

Disha: I am keen to act in Kannada films. As Kannada is my mother tongue, it is easy for me as I do not need dubbing. I would also love to do Tulu film in future.

My next goal is to complete higher studies, but alongside I will also pursue acting. I thank my parents for supporting me and I request everyone to watch the Malayalam movie 'One Day' and support me. I am eager to kick-start my career in Kannada films. Talks are on in this regard, and soon you will see me in Sandalwood.

Here's wishing Disha good luck in all her endeavours, both as doctor and actress.