Bright & Beautiful

L’Officiel Arabia: You are the only Polish actress to work in Bollywood and Hollywood at the same time. How you keep up?

Natalia Magdalena Janoszek: I try to squeeze 48 hours in 24. It’s all about good planning. For a long time, I was pushing myself to the limits. When I was working, I used to forget about regular things like sleeping, eating or resting. Because of that in last few years I ended up in the hospital a few times. To avoid such situations I have learned to balance in my life. I shifted my priorities, I still work a lot but I also try to take care of myself. People see only the bright side of my work. What I show to public is only a postcard from my life. On my Instagram you will mostly find the beautiful moments of my live as that’s what I want to share with others. I leave the struggle to myself but I always say that there are always two sides of the coin. I struggle to keep friendships or relationship. I used to stress too much and feel like I’m not good enough as I’m always criticized by public. On the other hand I have traveled the world, I have a chance to experience things other people can’t, one day I woke up in Mumbai, other in LA and I would not change my life for anything.

 

LOA: When and how did you decide to choose acting as a profession?

NMJ: To be honest since I remember I loved to dance, sing, act and be on the stage. When I was 3 years old, I was already performing with local folk group. That’s when I fell in love with the stage but I never expected that one day it will become my work. I always thought that I’m not talented enough for that. When I did my first Bollywood movie I thought that it will be one time adventure but few Bollywood & Hollywood movies later it is still going on. Acting is a journey, it allows me to become different person. It’s like that childhood plays when kids are pretending to be princess, fireman and others. Only difference is that they pay me for it. Maybe that’s the reason I never felt like I’m working as I still play.

LOA: You are most titled Polish Beauty Queen, how did that happen?

NMJ: When I was a teen traveling with my art group on international dance festivals I fell in love with traveling. I was looking for the way which will allows me to explore the world without budget and that’s when I thought about becoming a model or beauty queen. When I was 17, I took part in local pageant which I won. Next step was to take part in Miss Poland but I was told that I’m too short. That was the point when most of the people would let go but I did not. I made my priority to prove that beauty can’t be measured as it comes in all shapes and sizes. Since then I took part in more than 40 pageants around the world, becoming most titled Polish beauty Queen. I’m planning to end my beauty queen career by representing Poland at Miss Multiverse in Dominican Republic this December. I feel like I proved what I wanted and helped other girls who are struggling to accept themselves. Actually because of pageants I started my acting career in Bollywood. During Supermodel International finals in Thailand in 2012 I was spotted by Bollywood producers while doing my talent show to Michael Jackson song. And that’s where traveling the world become my work.

 

LOA: How was your experience working in Bollywood?

NMJ: It’s a totally different market. To be honest I was not sure what to expect when I went there for the first time. It was such a big adventure for me that in 2018. I published the book “Behind the scenes of Bollywood”, I had my ups and downs. What I love about Bollywood is the Joy of life. Movies are made to inspire people, to give them a hope and show that everything is possible. In Poland I was told that I do too much as I loved to sing, dance and act. They wanted me to focus only on one of these art forms. In Bollywood all three are important and I had to accept them all together. It’s less liberal than Hollywood especially for women. But I was a guest in India so I needed to match up. Most challenging role in Bollywood was my lead role in “The Chicken Curry Law” The movie is based on true story called Goa case. It’s a story of a girl who comes to India to make her Bollywood dreams come true. Unfortunately she is sexually abused and need to fight for her rights. It brought me two movie awards and gave chance to be part of new amazing projects that are coming soon.

LOA: How have your Polish roots helped you shape your career?

NMJ: I’m Highlander so I have global character. If I believe in something I’ll be working really hard to achieve it. I don’t take short cuts. I always say that success is 99% of failure. I failed many times. I still fail but I have the strength to get back up. I guess that’s the secret why not everyone succeeds in life. Many just give up too quickly. I was about to do that to many times but then I thought about all the hard work I have done so far to be where I am and then I’m back on track. I don’t know what’s next but I’m ready for the challenges. It’s a very exciting road if you believe that impossible is nothing. I’m a big fan of Walt Disney so my motto is “if you can dream it, you can do it” and that’s how I live my life.

 

LOA: Have you ever been to the UAE? If yes, how was your experience?

NMJ: I was in UAE last December for a Bollywood Film Awards that was cancelled last minute due to Covid. It was a blessing in disguise as I had the chance to explore the city more. I love the sunny weather here. Back in my country summer is very short so I crave for sun. I’m also amazed by the architecture here. Everything is so beautiful. Also culture of Middle East fascinates me and you have one of the most beautiful women here. It was great to be back to shoot my cover here in Dubai with my favorite designer Michael Cinco. His dreamy dresses made me feel like an Arabian princess and Palazzo Versace Dubai interiors was the icing on the cake.

LOA: Which charity groups are you associated with and why?

NMJ: I believe anyone who has the power of clout should use it that’s why I try to be an example to other people. I strongly support UNICEF when it comes to woman rights and child abuse especially in India. I also support WWF and my path is mostly ocean preservation. I’m licensed diver so I take part in ocean cleaning expeditions. More than three billion people rely on the ocean for their livelihoods. Reef bleaching and pollution is something that concern me a lot so I do what I can to raise awareness. I built schools in Jamaica, help elderly in Poland and do things that moves me. Lately I’m involved with Superbid and their charity. I’m amazed how cyber world and NFT’s changed the way of charity, it’s crazy.

 

LOA: What is Superbid?

NMJ: Superbid is an social-auction app that connects stars & influencers with their fans by allowing them to sell NFT Moments. What’s great about it is the fact that part of the income goes to charity of an influencer’s choice which convinced me, because I was not really interested in things like this until whole world stopped because of the pandemic. When most of the show-business shifted online I learned more about it and was given a chance to make my first NFT with SuperBid. To be completely honest, I still can’t believe someone payed almost $1M to go for a dinner with me. Imagine how much we can help those in need with such an amount. Of course I’m not done with my regular career but as the world is changing it also brings new opportunities and I’m open to learn more about them.

LOA: Netflix hit movie 365 days was huge in UAE, how does it feel to be a part of such a big success?

NMJ: I guess nobody expected a Polish movie to become such a hit. Everywhere I go and people recognize me they are of course asking “Are you lost baby girl”? I feel two ways about it. On the one hand it’s great to be a part of the movie that took the world by storm. On the other hand the subject of the movie is not close to me. I do not support actions that happened in the movie yet it’s just an acting creation, not a real thing. All of all it was fun to work in Poland and Italy on the movie and I have news for you. Two more parts of 365 days movie are coming…part two is already filmed so we might meet again in UAE for the premiere soon.

 

LOA: What next for Natalia?

NMJ: I have many projects, let’s see which one will happen first. I always wanted to give it a try and make my own music so there is something that I have prepared to be out at the beginning of the new year. I am currently working on two new movies but I can’t tell you much about those projects yet. End of the year one more time I’ll represent Poland as a Miss Poland and to finish that long journey I plan to write a book about my experience to inspire others. I don’t know what’s in store for me but I’m excited to find out.