As she sashayes down global ramps, fills the screen with oomph on shows like How I Met Your Mother and True Blood, sizzles in the movies with hunks like Ashton Kutcher and David Beckham — Pinky Campbell leaves you with no doubt that she is jaw-dropping sexy. After a decade of navigating the glitzy terrains of Los Angeles, the Rajasthani actress-model is poised for a Bollywood comeback, to thrill Indian audiences.
Life comes full circle:
As a teenager, I fought to stake a place in the world of cinema, working with the likes of Arjun Rampal, Suniel Shetty, etc before moving to LA, where I studied at the Stella Adler Academy and Theatre of Art. The perception of actresses in India has changed over the years — we are respected, looked up to and appreciated more now. Even conservative families don’t consider it a controversial profession anymore; I felt the time was right to come back.
Bollywood versus Hollywood:
Here, actors are treated as demi-gods and symbols of pop culture; they are associated with the glamour industry in every way possible — from reality TV to fashion shows. But in LA, actors are pretty down-to-earth and most of them stick only to films.
Hobnobbing with George Clooney and Neil Patrick Harris:
I remember working as an assistant director on Will Smith’s 7 Pounds and all of us were on lunch break. When Will realised I was Indian, he got super excited and went on about how much he loved our country! Haha, he kept raving about Salman Khan and what a great human being he was.
Also, as I was assisting on Spread, I noticed Ashton Kutcher (who was married to Demi Moore at the time) eyeing me for a couple of days. Then I heard he wanted me to do a role in the movie as he liked me, apparently Hollywood actors can pull their weight around too!
The Indian fashion scene:
I love how it’s burgeoning at the moment, but I just wish girls wouldn’t be so brand conscious and learn to mix and match more. I browse international boutiques as well as vintage shops to get the right clothes and accessories. Personally, I love Indian outfits too!
My life:
I write and read a lot, it’s my dream to produce and direct my own feature film soon. Apart from that, I want to start my own fashion line — it’s been a passion.
As for film projects, I haven’t signed anything official, but Vikram Bhatt’s next and a Telugu film down South are in the works. Right now, I go back to the US and film for True Blood Season 6.