Bollywood is no stranger to international divas wanting to work in Hindi films — from Australian Fearless Nadia in the ’30s and ’40s to British import Katrina Kaif in recent times. Now, it seems like women from the far-off land of Brazil are flocking in large numbers to Mumbai to try their luck in films.
It all probably started with Bruna Abdullah's item number, Reham Kare in Cash (2007) followed by Giselli Monteiro's Punjabi girl act in Imtiaz Ali's hit, Love Aaj Kal (2009). We look at the other Brazilian beauties in Bollywood.
Gabriela Bertante
After modelling in Sao Paulo, Gabriela moved to India in 2010 and took part in a fashion week in Mumbai before she was roped in as a VJ on a popular youth channel. Last year, she appeared in back-to-back Tamil and Telugu films, Billa II, Devudu Chesina Manushulu and Cameraman Gangatho Rambabu. Now, Gabriela will be seen in Balwinder Singh Famous Ho Gaya alongside Mika Singh and Shaan.
Bruna Abdullah
She started off with an item number in Cash, followed by a small role and a special number in I Hate Luv Storys (2010) and Desi Boyz (2011) respectively. Last year, she appeared in a Tamil film, Billa II. This year, Bruna will hit the big league with prominent roles in big ventures such as Indra Kumar's Grand Masti and the Salman Khan-starrer Mental.
Giselli Monteiro
She surprised audiences by playing a typical Punjabi girl in Imtiaz Ali's Love Aaj Kal, starring Saif Ali Khan and Deepika Padukone. Then, in 2011, she appeared in Always Kabhi Kabhi, which was produced by Shah Rukh Khan. Although she is busy endorsing a number of brands, Giselli is yet to sign any new films.
Mariah Gomes
She made her B-town debut with a hit item song, 'Neeyat kharab hai' in the Amitabh Bachchan-Ben Kingsley starrer Teen Patti (2010). Then, in 2011, the Brazilian model landed a full-fledged role opposite Prateik in Rohan Sippy's Dum Maro Dum. Post that, she is yet to be spotted in any other Bollywood venture.
Nathalia Pinheiro
Also known as Nathalia Kaur, she was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She won a calendar's model hunt contest in 2012 and appeared in it that year. Later, she made her film debut in the Kannada film, Dev Son Of Mudde Gowda, followed by an item number in Ram Gopal Varma's Amitabh Bachchan-Sanjay Dutt starrer Department (2012).
Izabelle Leite
Initially labelled the 'mystery woman' that cricketer Virat Kohli was spotted shopping with in Singapore, the Brazilian model has just made her Hindi film debut with Raj Purohit's Sixteen. Believed to be romantically involved with Virat, she will next be seen in Purani Jeans that will mark the debut of Rati Agnihotri's son Tanuj Virwani.