Bollywood is kind of Charlie and The Chocolate Factory: Elena Fernandes

Her humanly-impossible-to-achieve abs can give any model or Bollywood actress a run for her money. The UK-bred buxom beauty Elena Fernandes is looking at making a foray in Bollywood. We came across her images when Wendell Rodricks posted her pictures on his Instagram account. We are still recuperating from the multi-sensory assault they wreaked on us. We decided to take a pell-mell plunge into the fascinating life of the model with a Goan father, who is half-Peruvian. Read on ...

Have you considered acting in Hindi films?
I have always been proud of my Indian heritage and I have always enjoyed working in India and it is famed, of course, for Bollywood. I would love the opportunity to star in a Hindi film as I love the positivity and happiness that they encompass. I feel that they unite India. To be a part of that and to be immortalised in a Hindi film would be a dream come true. Who wouldn't want to be in a film for example by Homi Adajania like the popular Cocktail or of course the popular Dhoom franchise with the gorgeous Katrina Kaif.

Are you fluent in Hindi?
My father is Goan and my mother is Peruvian and my father particularly has always encouraged my development with languages and supported my journey through India. I am currently studying Hindi and find that it is a beautiful language. I always try to practise as I travel around India which I know produces a few laughs for the rickshaw drivers in the Bandra area of Mumbai.

You are from the UK but you live in Spain. How has the global exposure influenced you and shaped you as an individual and a professional?
I was born and raised in the UK but due to my fortunate success in India which included the Kingfisher Calendar 2013 and also editorial spreads for Vogue India, Elle and Femina to name a few, have enabled me to expand my career on an international level. As a professional, the global exposure has shaped my career on an international level and shaped my understanding of different cultures and work ethics. As an individual I am humbled by the support, love and development I have received from different individuals around the globe and that has shaped me to be the individual I am today, appreciative of the opportunities that I have been given and understanding the value of the position that I am in.

Who are your favourite Bollywood directors and stars, you'd love to work with and why? Any fave Hindi film?
I couldn't possibly choose one favourite Bollywood director and film. I love Ayan Mukerji's Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Dhoom 3 by Vijay Krishna Acharya, Chennai Express directed by Rohit Shetty, Ek Tha Tiger by Kabir Khan, Heroine directed by Madhur Bhandarkar, and of course Cocktail the first Bollywood film I watched on my flight as I left India, by the talented Homi Adajania. I'm sure you can already guess by the films that I have listed that my favourite stars are popular and beautiful Katrina Kaif, Kareena Kapoor Khan and the male Bollywood superstars Saif Ali Khan, Salman Khan and of course Shah Rukh Khan. I would love to work with these talented individuals as they are the foundation of Bollywood.

What's your impression of the Bollywood industry?
My impression of Bollywood is that it is kind Charlie and The Chocolate Factory. I honestly feel like it's the most relatable factor amongst Indians. Watching a Bollywood film allows us to forget about poverty and allows everyone to connect with each other, laugh, dance and sing.

How do your interpret your personal style?
Right now I would interpret my personal style as quite preppy. I'm currently obsessed with the shirt look tucked in to a pair of skinny jeans but I like to mix it up depending where I am and of course what the weather is like. A pair of skinny jeans for example glued to my legs are not ideal for monsoon season in Mumbai. I used to wear a lot of black clothing (models think that black gives a slim look but that's not true) but I now embrace colour, for example I will go for a pop of yellow or a red polka shirt with black jeans.

You have a great physique. Share your workout details. Do you follow a diet?
Since a young age I have always been very athletic and have always loved to swim. I guess I can thank my mother for my height. I was also in the school's netball team for five years. Since being based in the States I do a lot more functional training and muscle specific training. I alternate my workouts day-by-day. You can check out my workout videos on my Instagram page @elenarmf for further tips. I do heavy weights. I have learnt to never step on the scales. Muscle weighs heavier than fat so it's best to judge your progress on how your clothes are fitting and how you feel. I try and eat healthy, I follow Paleo which is basically eating food in its most natural state and I also eat a lot of protein such as eggs, quinoa, dal and bean curd. But if I do want that piece of chocolate then I will have a piece, just not the whole bar.

What are the modelling campaigns and ramp shows you've done so far and which has been most creatively fulfilling?
I have been fortunate to have walked the ramp for Lakme Fashion Week as well as the international show seasons of London and New York. My modelling campaigns have included both the Kingfisher Calendar 2013 and the L'Oreal Professional Campaign. Internationally, I recently shot the new Adidas Campaign which is currently across America. Each have been so fulfilling as they have been an incredible opportunity and have enhanced my career as well as the creative element that I have been able to explore through my editorials for Vogue, Glamour, GQ, Elle, Cosmopolitan, and Harper's Bazaar enabling me to hone and develop my skills as a model.

Any project you've signed recently? Where do you see yourself five years down the line?
I plan on taking my career to the next level and developing myself more than a model. I would like to branch out into both fitness and Bollywood as well as maintaining my career as a model both internationally and in India. I would like to develop a brand over the next five years and be in a position to give back to the community especially in India with regards to child and animal welfare. There are projects currently being discussed so watch this space!

Do you admire any models or fashion figure who have influenced you?
I have always admired the creative skills and passion of those within the creative industry. However what has inspired me is the individual talent that is commended in such a fickle industry and it teaches you to be you and to express your natural instincts and who you are rather than being a copycat.

Are you single or in a relationship?
I like to keep my private life private.

Who are your fave designers in India and internationally and why?
My favourite designers in India include Rahul Mishra, Nikhil Thampi, and Anushka Khanna who I have been fortunate to work with as well as Wendell Rodricks, Sabyasachi and Manish Arora. I have always loved their clothing and their design process. On an international level I have admired the simplicity of Chloe, Stella McCartney, Givenchy and Alexander Wang.

Do you follow a beauty regime? What's in your beauty kit?
I feel that keeping it simple is always best. I exfoliate, moisturise, and add mascara and concealer. I constantly mix up my products so that my skin does not get too used to them and so that your skin still reaps the benefits. When I go out in the evenings I love to add a dash on eyeliner to bring out the cat eye effect. I like to mix up my products between L'Oreal and Olay as well as Maybelline.

Any age-old beauty ritual you swear by...
Always wash your face before you go to bed no matter how tired you feel, you need to wipe the world of your face before you head to dream land.