KEMA poses for photographer Raj Suri in Perth, Australia
KEMA RAJANDRAN, of Perth Australia, winner of the Miss India Australia Talent title in 2008, returns back to Australia after successful modeling career , mainly in UK and other parts of Europe and Egypt.Born in Singapore of Indian heritage, Kema’s family moved to Australia when she was four years old. Kema began her career with a drama scholarship at John Curtin College of the Arts where she participated in a wide range of Drama and Musical Theatre productions. Trained in Bharatnatyam dance (Indian classical dance form) and martial arts since she was young – has been performing bollywood items for over 10 years. Kema completed a Bachelor of Science in Environmental studies but never lost the passion for performing and presenting. Kema undertook various courses with Perth Actors Collective which lead to many roles on stage, in commercials, short films and presenting on radio and TV and then went on to complete a Postgraduate Certificate in Journalism. After competing in the Miss India Australia 2008 Contest and awarded the Best Talent for her monologue, Kema decided to pursue her passions further.
Miss India Magazine had an exclusive interview with Kema recently:
When did you really get interested in modeling and photo shoots?
I have always been interested in modelling but I always thought I was too short and I preferred performing as an actor and presenter. It was after competing in Miss India Australia 2008 that I decided to pursue modelling as I really enjoyed it and upon moving to the UK I was presented with so many opportunities and I realised there was a market for girls of shorter stature to model for print and beauty.
Kema's photo shoot in Perth, Australia by Raj Suri
What was your experience of winning the MISS INDIA Australia talent 2008 in Perth?
It was an amazing feeling I will never forget and always brings a smile to my face. I have never won anything before and I always thought my talents were average. So to win that title gave me the confidence and courage to pursue my passions completely.
Please share your stay in Europe since 2008 and what made you return to Australia?
I moved to the UK for about 2 years. In UK, I pursued all aspects of my career in media and worked for a children’s charity as a Communications Officer. I began searching for projects in presenting and acting and also established myself as a model. I spent quite a lot of time in shoots as a model, actor, presenter and also some bollywood dance performances and I was lucky enough to be selected for photo shoots abroad which took me around Europe and Egypt. Towards the end of my visa I felt I had gained considerable international experience and I was ready to return home to Australia to my family and friends.
Model KEMA
People say there’s no place like home and its true. Even though I enjoyed myself overseas and had a lot of valuable work experiences, I had to build a new life, a home and friends and adapt to a country that was very different, I was definitely looking forward to coming home to my family, friends and everything that was so familiar to me that make Australia such a wonderful place to live, especially sunny Perth!
While growing up in Australia did you ever feel “limited” by way of your Indian ethnicity?
Not at all, I was brought up to believe I could do anything, my parents have always encouraged and supported anything I chose to do and through all my extra curricular activities over the years I was never held back or treated differently by anyone. In fact I was always encouraged by teachers, tutors and colleagues to pursue the things I enjoyed and showed potential for such as presenting and it is through all this encouragement and feedback that I have continued in my career as presenter and actor.
Model KEMA
The Australian market is quite different to that of the UK and I think it will be more difficult to bring my culture to mainstream Australia, however I think this will change gradually and as I was able to gain work before, I am positive that mainstream Australia will become more diverse and I will be able to do more in the future.
Your future plans?
I will continue to work in media as my love to write, present and perform will always be with me. As always I will continue to strive to better myself and my skills and I hope to be able to utilise my writing skills as I did in London working for not-for-profit organisations. I will continue to train, learn and work in as many opportunities that come my way and hope to do it in Australia with my family and friends never too far from me.
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