 I
was born in the south Indian state of Karnataka in Mangalore on 1st Nov
1973. I was younger of the two children, my brother being three years
older. When I was about four years old my family moved back to Bombay.
My father worked as a merchant navy officer. I did my schooling at Arya
Vidya Mandir, Santacruz. Academically, I did very well and earned myself
a position as the head girl of my school. I chose the science stream while
at DG Ruparel College, my favourite subject being Zoology. I made my parents
proud by securing 90% in Physics, Chemistry, Biology. I wanted to study
medicine, but circumstances didn't let me. Instead I chose architecture
and passed the interview at Raheja College with flying colors. By this
time, I had started getting modelling assignments. I, then decided to
take a break from architecture and concentrate on modelling. From that
point on, there was no looking back. “Aishwarya” became a household
name with the Pepsi ad campaign. I was crowned Miss Femina World and went
on to win the Miss World title at Sun City in 1994. I am now an indispensable
part of Bollywood and is working with a number of prestigious banners,
the Chopras, and Venus among them. |
Dad
was sailing constantly. So mostly, it was mum, brother and me. Even as
a child, I was a dreamer. I conjured up my own dreams and created a world
of my own. At the same time, I was this sensible kid. In the family, I
always spent more time with my aunts and uncles than with my cousins.
It was a comfortable atmosphere. My parents have always encouraged open
communication. Between the four of us - mom, dad, my brother and I - we
were and are a very closely-knit family. We discussed everything from
relationships to friends and family matters together. Even in school,
lots of kids would discuss their problems with me. I was a rather talkative
child. I thought I was always ahead of my time. I got into these little
conversations with people and I was convinced that I was putting my point
across, even if they were perceived as arguments.
I
loved to watch Chhayageet. As a child, I was exposed to various kinds
of music at home. My brother, who is 3 years older than me put on whatever
he liked. There were no CDs at that time. So, he'd buy some tapes and
record some pop music, mainly. My mother used to listen to old Hindi songs.
Later on, I also learnt Hindustani Classical and Carnatic music. I loved
music and dance. I was trained in Bharatanatyam, as well. I was inclined
towards the fine arts right from the beginning. We watched films as kids,
but not excessively. It wasn't part of our normal routine. There was television
and the Sunday movies, which were the big events over the weekend. I was
enthralled by the magic of cinema even then. Videos were new and it was
a big thing to watch the latest movies on them, whenever we could. Films
weren't a taboo. They just weren't allowed to be the centrepoint of our
lives, just like we weren't allowed to go crazy over chocolates or going
to game parks.
I
first modelled for Camlin industries when I was in 9th grade. I had never
thought of taking up modeling seriously. It just happened. During my college
days, a professor (who was also a photographer) requested me to do a shoot
for him. Since then I got noticed in the Ad world and this green-blue
eyed beauty did ads for many firms. The ones which brought me into the
limelight were the Garden sari and the Pepsi Ad campaigns.
Ash
believes that beauty is not just physical. Being a good person is what
counts and Ash sets a good example. Did you know that she has pledged
to donate her eyes ? She was also part of a successful campaign that encouraged
donating of eyes. After winning the Miss World crown, Ash spoke of her
dream for peace in the world and her desire to be a peace ambassador during
her one-year reign. And that is exactly what she has been. She went out
of her way to raise funds for poor and needy children.