It’s Great To Be A Man: Priyanka Moodley

The South African-Indian model walks out of her hood and satisfies FHM’s inquisitive side. She talks about Indian parents, her taste in men and her love for adventure.

Who’s she? Age: 24. From: Durban, SA. Likes: Belly dancing, hiking, abseiling, mosaicing. Twitter: @Pri_Moodley. Instagram: @pri_moodley.

Read FHM India in the digital libraryEvery issue, every shoot, on TCG Media.

Hi Priyanka, how you doing?

Hi, I am well, thanks...

How would you say hi to someone you’ve had a crush on since ages and he comes right in front of you?

Firstly, I would have butterflies in my stomach, probably the whole zoo. I would be confident enough, to take the first step forward, because love is a two way street. I would probably bump into him, gaze into his dreamy eyes, and just say this in my head, “Where have you been all my life!”

Now we’re talking... Tell us something about yourself.

I was born and bred in South Africa (5th generation to be precise). I am an introvert, warm person (though I may not look like it), calm and composed (I may not be sometimes!).

You have a degree in Finance and Management Accounting. Are we missing something here?

Oh you’ve done your research... I was modelling in SA and had always wanted to model and travel, which wouldn’t have been possible until I finished my tertiary education (TYPICAL INDIAN PARENTS YOU SEE), though I’m grateful they pushed me in the right direction, I wouldn’t have done it any other way.

You have a fab figure. Should we call it the optimum utilisation of resources?

Let’s just say initially I was blessed with a good metabolism but as you get older and things change you have to rethink your lifestyle. I don’t believe in crazy diets and depriving myself of life’s luxuries (I’m a foodie you see...) so eating well and indulging in the right quantities is what works. And working out of course!

Did your Indian roots bring you to India or was it something else?

It’s actually my third time to India, but my first work trip. I decided to model in India because I felt it would be a good market to start with, considering Indian looks. I never ever saw myself living here, it’s so crazy, but it’s been the best experience so far!

So you’ve flashed for The Sharks for real?

You’re quite the detective, are you sure you’re in the right profession? (laughs)... Well yes I’ve had the privilege to represent the best rugby team in the world (Yes! they are the best). I’m proud to say it’s my favourite sport to watch! GO SHARKS!

What does a guy have to do to impress you?

He needs to put on an infectious smile and just be awesome. I like my guy to be funny, down to earth, interesting and have all those ‘gentleman’ qualities that I guess every girl would want. Quality conversation is what keeps me interested.

Wow that’s some benchmark! So, what keeps you busy on a Sunday... on an off day?

I’m very chilled out. I love sitting in my pajamas all day, hair tied up, no make up on and catching up on my favourite TV series. Or head outdoors and do something adventurous.

Have you had a near perfect date?

It was the 3rd of April, 2010 and my life was just changing. It was my best friend’s 21st birthday party, and I asked my favourite crush to be my lucky date. He played the cards ahead and took me to a super fine dining restaurant, and the romance was just bubbling now. I was shy, but the moment he started conversing with me, I was immediately engaged (P.S. in conversation, of course). We took a very romantic walk, and went for my best friend’s party. By the time we reached my place, I was married (again in conversation), till 6 am. I had the time of my life, and it was truly unforgettable.

You’re drooling already. Our turn... What do you think makes a woman most sensuous?

A woman who loves life and isn’t afraid to show it, puts efforts into grooming and smells attractive. Guys also like women who laugh at their silly jokes.

Silly jokes, eh? What other talents do you have?

I love dancing! I am a belly dancer by hobby but it has turned into a serious hobby that took me far enough to go to Cairo for workshops with world renowned dancers. I also love crafts which’ve got me started with mosaicing, from making frames to beautifully mosaiced mirrors.

What is your idea of fun?

All things adventurous! I love hiking, abseiling and most things outdoors, next on my list is sky diving!

What’s your take on a full monty shoot?

Full Monty shoot? It’s funny you would ask me that, because trust me, I know the truth is naked, but not my body, not just for any reason, unless there’s a noble cause involved which I completely trust and believe in (but it must be done in a tasteful manner, these things can get quite tricky). As for me and my choices, I’m a shy next door, happy go bubbly girl. Some facts are best not revealed.

Ahem... Sure. So, where do we see you next? Films, music videos?

On the cover of FHM, maybe. lol ;)

Darn smart! How would you say bye to someone you’ve had a crush on since ages and is going away from you...

You know, just like in the movies, this would be my perfect moment to express my love, and he would cancel his tickets and not go. But then again, change is inevitable, and you would never know how he feels about me, and as Coldplay says, “If you never try, you will never know”. So accept life as it comes, because if everything worked out for you every time, life would be nothing but monotony.

Words: Siddharth M Joshi.

From the April 2015 issue of FHM India.