Hardworking, persistent ones get lucky in Bollywood: Lisa Haydon

There is a common belief that Bollywood is a tough nut to crack for outsiders. But model-actor Lisa Haydon says that in the long run, only hard work and persistence matter, not “film families”. When asked whether it is difficult for an outsider to break into the industry, Lisa said it is the will to succeed that drives people in the industry. 

“If you are hardworking, talented, reasonably charming or good looking and determined, you have a chance to make it. There are pros and cons on both sides. In the end, the hard working and persistent ones are the ones that get ‘lucky’  whether in or out of film families,” said Lisa.

After a successful stint as a model, the tall and dusky beauty made her acting debut with the 2010 film Aisha and went on to do films like Rascals, Queen, The Shaukeens and Housefull 3. Before heading to the tinsel town, Lisa walked into the fashion world as a model, and then did a spate of television commercials. 

The actor says she picks projects on the basis of her instinct regarding the script, director, co-stars as well as all aspects that go into making a good film. She asks, “What is a good script without a good director or a good director without a good actor?” 

For now, Lisa is co-judging ‘India’s Next Top Model’ with celebrity photographer Dabboo Ratnani, while MTV VJ and actor Anusha Dandekar and grooming expert Neeraj Gaba will be the mentors of the contestants. The show is aired on MTV channel. What about her future projects? “There are two projects up for discussion shortly,” said the actor, who will be seen in a cameo in Ae Dil Hai Mushkil.