Interview Ganesh Venkatraman : New Kid On The Block.
This time around it was the noisy Juhu Barista. Thankfully I arrived a little before Ganesh did, chose a round corner table where our interview would get disturbed as little as possible. Didn’t want people crowding around or eves dropping, since this was a public place.
Ganesh is an ex Gladrags Man-hunt 2003 winner and was amongst the top five finalist of the Super Model contest held in Istanbul-Turkey in the same year. Just like many others he too is bitten by the glamour bug and is presently working towards making his mark in Bollywood.
Anyways here I was all set with my voice recorder and diary, a little more confident, well prepared, than the last time. Today was my third interview and guess am getting better and better at it.
For the past three days I have been fixing and canceling appointments with Ganesh. Either yours truly has been busy with office work or then the busy actor has his shoots to look into. But finally wanted this done with, that way I had the weekend to format and post my efforts.
There walked in a tall broad frame; a gently smiling Ganesh, clad in a white shirt with khaki pants. His eyes in search for the right table until I ushered him through the crowded coffee shop. He sat down; seemed apprehensive, a little nervous but soon a composed look transpired. A pair of thick eyebrows covering small shapely black eyes, a petit nose, proportionate lips and dimpled cheeks - all of this bound together by a well-defined jaw line. A head-to-toe model material. Of course everything hundred percent natural he claims.
We started off by throwing apologies at each other for our subsequent delays over the past three days. Talked a little about ourselves, our work, and the loud coffee shop due to which my mike had to undergo several adjustments on his shirt collar. Ganesh gladly conspired with the annoying surroundings, there was a certain unexpected sincerity within him.
My very first set of questions revolved around his pre-modeling days and what led him into entering the Manhunt contest. Ganesh comes from a middle class Tamilian family (he by no stretch of imagination looks a South-Indian). His upbringing emphasized on higher education which he pursued, and has excelled throughout his academic career. During his college days he actively participated in dramas/ramp shows which directed his focus towards modeling and acting. He even captained his college volley-ball team.
After completing his formal education, this software professional was employed by a reputed IT company, where he worked for nearly two years. His profession did not dampen his love for the glamour world, but made him compete for the Gladrags Man-hunt contest which he won. Besides the basic skin care, good looks, gym workouts, Ganesh believes that education, observation, presence of mind, portraying oneself as a perfect package and a certain X-factor led him to his victory. “It is within you” were his exact words.
Gladrags Manhunt advanced to the Super Model contest, where he made it until the top five. Preparation for this contest required Ganesh to take a sabbatical of 8 months, to which his firm gladly obliged. That’s when he made up his mind on a serious acting career as modeling is short-lived. His ambition further rooted when he gave-up a masters education in the United States over Bollywood glitterati.
Our conversation progressed to life after the Manhunt. Struggle and Hard work were his words! Winning the contest brought him to the modeling threshold but beyond that it seemed nothing. He still had to play it by the book without any shortcuts. Audition queues, testing of skills, comparison with new-comers - a never-ending battle! During this span, he did various commercials like Kajaria tiles, Dig jam suiting, Bajaj bikes, Kotak Mahindra Insurance etc. He also worked on his acting, dancing and voice modulation.
His first break was The Angrez, a cross-over film where Ganesh plays the lead role. A small budget (35 lakhs) movie revolving around two NRI’s, working for a call centre in Hyderabad. A dark comedy movie, doing well down south but awaits an April/May release in other Metro cities. Ganesh says he is a method actor who doesn’t mind giving suggestions but prefers to follow the director.
Well no interview would be complete without the inside gossip - like drugs, bisexuality and the casting couch of course. To which Ganesh diplomatically answered “I believe it exists”. That he has seen people at parties take drugs, seen people giving sexual favors for their first break, but he personally doesn’t indulge in it. Ganesh doesn’t smoke or drink. He feels politics exists in every other field/profession, and maybe it does cause of the increasing competition and pressure. According to him if there is a demand for stuff like this, then there are people supplying it. But at the end of the day, talent triumphs.
When asked about male model scope in India and internationally. Ganesh feels that the scope of work for a male model is much less than the female models. There are more female-oriented fashion shows as they get more priority and have a higher pay scale. Internationally, male models have capability but lack resources. Funding an international trip with lodging, running around agents to circulate portfolios etc. is not feasible. Hence success overseas depends on the mullah they have.
Currently Ganesh is working on a big project with G.V Production house. He refused to indulge anymore since he was bound by contract.
A genuine softness in his mannerisms, the man seemed sure about himself and his actions. Media excites the 42-32-39 well built tall new-comer, and he seems all out to make it big.
Though most of the replies were within the diplomatic bracket (the type you excel in after entering beauty pageants), I somehow actually believed him. On the other hand, if he has bluffed his answers than one thing is for sure that the young lad is one heck of an actor.
Here is wishing him all the best for his future in la la land of Bollywood.
ps…special thanks to Rohit (NaachGaana.com) for arranging the interview and the gang from Desicritics.org for the question list.
We all have a right to express our views. In many instances; it will be against ours and in some; with us. To hear them out is 'decency' but to let them get to you is 'weakness'. 
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Comments
30 comments | Leave your comment
Mar 21st, 2006 at 11:46 am | #
Yeah, he is a nice guy. He used to sit in the cubicle next to me in the “reputed IT company” that he was referring to. Infact his girlfriend, Dilnaaz Iraani, was also in the same organization then. But he lacked the go getters attitude, because of which I guess, he has still not found success in the true sense, compared to a few other guys, who participated then and went on to make it big.
Mar 22nd, 2006 at 4:33 am | #
Sunil: “Success in the true sense”, dont you think is an individual state of mind?
Good interview Sakshi. Am sure this guy is gonna make it big! If I could invest on models, like one could invest in stocks, this one would be my safe bet!
Mar 22nd, 2006 at 5:58 am | #
Like Apoorva said, I think success is incredibly subjective.
And to claim that someone hasn’t made it big, ‘in the true sense’, well that would require you to state what your definition of success is, wouldn’t it?
And as for lacking the go-getter attitude..the fact that he’s made (in whatever sense) shows the contrary.
I reckon he’s done well for himself. Give him his credit
Good on you, Ganesh!
Mar 22nd, 2006 at 6:05 am | #
Have known Ganesh for the past 5 years now, and every word of this interview thats come from his mouth is true,
will surely make it big in life.
all the best brother!!
Mar 22nd, 2006 at 9:14 am | #
That was a good interview Sakshi.
Mar 22nd, 2006 at 3:13 pm | #
(he by no stretch of imagination looks a South-Indian).
What does that mean?
Isnt the very statement contradictory?
Mar 28th, 2006 at 3:59 pm | #
I really like to know, how do u decide whom to interview? I seem to see no connection (i mean no haath - per) between any of the interview. where on one side kay kay menon n makrand were good, whats with Ganesh this time? ne wayz, ur blog ur choice. just dropped in to say a couple of thing. my bro studied with ganesh in school, n in school everybody bullied him because he was soooo naive. And he was a timid fellow then, my bro says he took some medicine or drugs(injection) for his height. i dun know whether it is right or wrong, but i feel inspite of having the looks n build, etc. he lacks the firepower to make it big. lets see, if time proves me wrong.
Mar 30th, 2006 at 3:51 am | #
I know Ganesh since he joined so called Big IT company…We were working on same project and had our desk besides each other…It was really fun to work with Ganesh…Whatever he said in his interview is 100% true…He is born model and very down to earth person…I can never forget our session of drinking Aaray milk during our snacks break…
Hey Ganesh my wishes are with u..I am sure u will make us all feel proud….
Mar 31st, 2006 at 10:21 am | #
hellow GANESH,
this is sandeep gujjar from shimoga(karnataka).GANESH i am trying to know the rules to participate in gladrags manhunt. I am167cm ,but very attrative&great body as my friends says.Plese mail me weather I can participate in gladrags & please please reply me.
Apr 3rd, 2006 at 6:06 am | #
hai,
this is sandeep again.please reply me the rules of gladrags manhunt.i am 5′ 6.5″
inches.please reply me to my mail .
address:
sandeep.g.v,
s/o vijay kumar .g.l,
“poorna chandra”,main road,
LBS nagar,savalanga road ,
shimoga-577201
Apr 4th, 2006 at 11:49 pm | #
I am very confident that this friend of mine will make a BIG mark in the industry. All i have to say is that its been a pleasure knowing this guy. He has encouraged all of us during some difficult times and he truly is a GEM of a person.
Ganesh, u already makes us feel proud. I miss ur mom’s Veg Ogratten.
Apr 18th, 2006 at 9:50 am | #
hellow,
this is sandeep again.Ganesh please reply to my request.I will be highly greatful to you,
SANDEEP GUJJAR
Apr 26th, 2006 at 5:27 am | #
hellow sir,
this is SAndeep gujjar from shimoga(karnataka).respected sir i watched gladrags manhunt2006 on star one.there was one contestant with the height 5′7″.I am 5′6.5″,and have great body and looks.I want to be in gladrags 2007 and to prepare for that ineed your reply .Please reply me.I will be highly greateful to you.
thanking you,
Jun 10th, 2006 at 6:44 pm | #
Ganu is a very down to earth and hard working person. People who say that he does not have a killer attitude are sadly mistaken. He is like a duck who shows a very cool attitude but is peddling rapidly underneath to achieve his goals. The fact is Ganu has never taken a short cut to success but has been believed in hard work and sincerity. He is not a dumb good looking model but is intelligent too.. a fact proven by his brilliant academic credentials. I am sure he will make it big. And all the best to him!
Aug 3rd, 2006 at 5:08 pm | #
Hi Sir, Am looking out to give the contestants a run for their money….Would you please guide me through the prelims selection procedure !!!
Thanks & Regards
Tek(bangalore)
Dec 29th, 2006 at 5:17 pm | #
i hust wanted to know which other pagent shows are going to take place in 2007 except mr grasim india …..thank you sir
Mar 27th, 2007 at 11:36 am | #
Good interviews.
Doesn’t look like a south indian, this guy? But isn’t that generalizing?
Arvind Swamy, Vidya Balan, Rekha, Hema Malini, Vishwanathan Anand, Vidya Shankar Aiyar (tv news), Meenakshi Sheshadri, Pico Iyer, Padma Lakshmi, Indra Nooyi.
The above are all southies - Tamil Brahmins. Generally, their community and other southerners will look different from others, but they are southies nonetheless, and there are many of them everywhere. This Ganesh Venkataraman is one such Tamil Iyer.
For that, even the much hyped Aishwarya Rai is a southie as are all the Shettys.
Look up http://www.chennaionline.com/columns/DownMemoryLane/diary169.asp
Thank you.
Apr 3rd, 2007 at 3:54 pm | #
Respected sir/madam,
i am salil fom mumbai, my age is 22and my hight is 5′10 and i am goog looking
and i have maintain my body .i want tpo participate in gladrags modeling contest,please tell me how to participate in this field,please give me reply, i hope u will give me reply
Apr 9th, 2007 at 9:20 am | #
Hi Mr. Ganesh Congratulations. Myself Mr.Shahbaaz Sheikh from cool Nasik city , i m tall 6.2 ft guy, with really very attractive looks, i can say 90% of my personality matches with a commercial model, with very good physics and shape, but unfortunately i do not have any backups or information about how to approach or participate in gladrags manhunt. i will be very thankfull to u if u could guide and give me information on the same , waiting for ur answer , thank u bye bye.
Apr 10th, 2007 at 1:36 pm | #
Hey guys! do u even think Mr. ganesh has the time to read ur blogs and answer them. Y are u guys wasting your time trying to even write it here.
The best thing you all guys can do is that check out the gladrags magazine every month. To be in modelling you dont need backup. believe in urself and hard work. you will get what you want.
Keep your eyes and ears open. Check out magazines. check out which TV channels those who are generally the title sponsor.
lastly. Believe in God. Believe yourself.
and this one is for Sandeep Gujjar.
I dont want to offend you but a male model should be at least 6 ft. Yes Gladrags do allow 5.7 ft but chances are less to win. The reason is the contestants are send to participate in other international contests where minimum requirement of height is 6ft. Dont get heartbroken. Modelling is just not ramp you could be a print model, Tv commercial model etc.
Apr 28th, 2007 at 6:45 am | #
HI GANESH U R MY IDOL BUT I DONT KNOW WAT IS YOR BIOGRAPHY CAN YU PLSSSS GIV ME YOR YAHOOMESSENGER ID FOR I CANT CHAT WID U IF U DONT MIND
OK BY
May 17th, 2007 at 9:37 pm | #
i really love your drama antariks in star plus it is finish so i get bord so if u talk or reply me i shall be very thanks ful to u i live in saudi arabia
Jul 2nd, 2007 at 7:43 pm | #
Hi, this is Prateek hav already done a show in pune and it was a ramp walk. would like to know some details on how i could get into gladrags. would be really pleased if u could guide me. am very confident and am sure of what i want to do. which is modeling and much more. waiting for some guidence from you as soon as possible. thanks a lot. P. Bhosale.
Nov 19th, 2007 at 8:29 pm | #
hello sir
i m also an engineering student pursuing b. tech. from nit allahabad
but i m very much interested in glamour field . i did some fashion shows in ma college and other college
i want to take part in gladrags manhunt my physique is good
only one prob is my height is only 5′ 9″
am i elligible for gladrags manhunt
plz tell me the complete procedure for gladrags manhunt
please reply my mail
regards
Mar 28th, 2008 at 1:37 pm | #
I recently saw a photo of this guy and something about him just captivated me …..those dimples..that smile…those deep eyes…awweeee!!!!!!
can anyone give me any websites with his bio, photos etc?
Ever since then I’ve been trying to find out as much info as I can about him but unfortunetly I can’t find what I’m looking for….
Jun 7th, 2008 at 7:10 pm | #
North Indians in general) and Punjabis in particular think that brain is nothing and brawn is nothing to come up in life leading to the false conclusion that south indians are copwards. But reality is otherwise iof you lookk at the facts.> South leads in everything , software exports, automanufacture,KMoviemaking,technolgy
, sdocial development etc. It can go alone without the help of the rest of India particularly the BIMARU states. Ganesh proves that one canbe an officer and a gentleman.
Way to go..Nowonder girls swoon over you
Raj .
Jun 18th, 2008 at 12:57 am | #
hi Jenny
Check out Model of the world in Man Central to know more about Ganesh or Ganesh on line. Hr is really stunning. The female counter part would be Saumya Tandon. They both look cerebral and made for each other
Raj
Jul 22nd, 2008 at 6:25 pm | #
Life is a bitch. It does not always favour those who deserve better.In this Mathlabi world You have to give up something to get something.It is true in the case of Ganesh and Saumya Look at the bozzos like Sharukh , Salman khan and bimbos like Kareena Kapoor and Aishwarya Rai who are making hay while the sun shines. inspite of their having minimum acting skills.Both Ganesh and Saumya and Amir Khan too It appears to me appeal to the aesthetic and visual senses . and are not prepared to compromise what is more valuable in them (their brains and beauty) for the sake of short lived fame in the fantasy (farcical) world of Bollywood
Aug 7th, 2008 at 9:07 am | #
well its good to read ur interview,u seemed to b very hard workin,i ma pranav here n same from IT industry. My hgt is 180 cms wid a proper physique will u pls let me know the procedure to get into it…i really wanna do somethin big in it…plz rply me on calfo_1986@yahoo.com
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