Bollywood's Mzansi star

01 September 2016 - 08:41 By SUTHENTIRA GOVENDER

Sultry actress and television presenter Carishma Basday's Bollywood star is on the rise. Voted one of the sexiest women in the world by FHM South Africa readers in 2012, Basday, 24, recently wrapped up shooting Half Girlfriend, a Bollywood production shot in Cape Town.She is no stranger to the silver screen, having featured in local productions 31 Million Reasons and Material.Now Basday, who is a presenter on SABC3 lifestyle show Mela, has turned her sights to the multibillion-dollar Indian film industry.The former Durban girl landed the role of an "edgy rock singer" in the movie, which is based on the novel by popular Indian author Chetan Bhagat."A friend of mine works in the production house for the movie and he thought of me for the role. He asked me to audition and the director loved me," Basday said.She was tight-lipped about Half Girlfriend , which stars Indian heart-throb Arjun Kapoor ."There is no such thing as small on a Bollywood set, from the set to the crew and everything in between," she said."The lead actors are often huge Bollywood stars, which can be intimidating until you get to know them."Basday has had a penchant for the limelight since childhood, starting ballet at four and going on to train in dance.She has also landed stage roles in productions such as Les Misérables.But Basday said her first loves were film and television."I've done film before and I love it. There is nothing quite as exciting as working on a film set and getting to delve into a character."In this country especially I don't think you have to choose one over the other. I just want an opportunity to be able to do what I love and share my passion with the world."Basday - who is married to a French helicopter pilot - has also featured in a number of magazines,including the Marie Claire naked campaign issue.She was voted the 19th-sexiest woman in the world in 2012 by FHM South Africa readers.She has no qualms about being a sex symbol."I enjoy embracing my sexuality and sensuality. I have always hoped to be a source of inspiration to other women in terms of creating a positive body image and empowering women, no matter what their size or shape."As far as a sex symbol goes, I think that if you are in the public eye you are always going to be sexualised in some way because ultimately sex sells."If it works, why not? As long as it doesn't take away from my other qualities and accolades."..

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