Acting is next best step after modelling: Simran Kaur Mundi

Model-turned-actress Simran Kaur Mundi, who is making her Telugu debut with "Potugadu", isn't sure if modelling opens the gateway to filmdom, but she says she is certain that the best step after modelling is acting.

"I do know that if modelling is a school, then acting is graduation. Since we all want to excel in life, acting is the next best step after modelling," Simran told IANS.

Simran, a former beauty queen, says the relationship between an actor and camera is very important.

"One thing that I learnt as a model is to love the camera. If you learn to do that, the camera will love you back and that is the best relationship you can ever be in as an actor," said the actress, who was crowned Miss India Universe in 2008.

A Punjabi by descent, Simran, in "Potugadu" plays a typical south Indian paired with actor Manchu Manoj.

"One of the main reasons why I got interested in 'Potugadu' was because I fell in love with my look. I'm playing a Brahmin girl wearing half sari and gajra and (with hair tied in) plaits. I think it's my best look so far and I have never looked this pretty," said Simran.

Asked if she had trouble transforming into a south Indian, she said, "I'm an actor and I have to learn to don different looks and pull them off convincingly. I'm quiet versatile that way and I did manage to pull off the typical south Indian look well."

"If not as a Punjabi, then I think I can pass off as a Brahmin south Indian girl for sure," she said, and broke into a laugh.

Having worked in Bollywood in films such as "Jo Hum Chahein" and "Best of Luck", she finds the Telugu industry more hospitable.

"Both the industries are very similar and yet different. But one thing that I really like about Telugu industry is the hospitality. I felt welcome on the first day on sets like never before and instantly felt like I was home," she said.

On the Hindi movies front, Simran is awaiting the release of the comedy "Kuku Mathur Ki Jhand Ho Gayi", which is jointly produced by Ekta Kapoor and Bejoy Nambiar.

She also has a big budget Hindi film in the offing, while she is set to start shooting for a Punjabi project soon.