Nathalia Pinheiro

She’s the star of this year’s Kingfisher calendar, and that’s just the beginning of big things to come.

“The best part about being a model is that I get paid to do something that gives me immense happiness and satisfaction,” says Nathalia. “I’m not the kind of person who can adjust to a routine of waking up early everyday, going to the same job, at the same place and meeting the same people.” Born in Rio de Janeiro, this half-indianhalf-brazilian beauty was recently declared the Kingfisher Calendar Girl for 2012. “I loved the whole talent hunt experience, and I’m thrilled about winning the contest,” she says excitedly. At an age when many spend sleepless nights over cute boys and acne, Nathalia was busy walking the ramp. “I realised I wanted to be a model early in life and walked the ramp for the first time at 14. I wanted to be financially independent, and being a model was the easiest path available,” she says. Known as Nathy among friends, she is also a trained opera singer and enjoys singing as much as modelling and acting. “In my own little world, singing is the medium through which I can express my feelings and get engulfed in them.” Nathalia arrived in India in early 2011, with little more than gorgeous honey-toned skin, a body made for swimwear campaigns, and the determination to make it big. Fastforward six months later, and the 21year-old model had already bagged the Kingfisher title, a list of lucrative modelling offers, and the chance to become a moviestar. “Being an actor was always on my wishlist,” she says. “I have recently signed my first South-indian film and am also working on a couple of interesting modelling assignments.” And is Bollywood calling next? “I’m working very hard on it, and I really hope I get a chance soon,” she signs off.