'Nothing comes easy'

With dynamic personality and confidence, VJ Gaelyn (Gaelyn Mendonca) is known to be a generous blend of fun, vibrancy and spunk.

Someone who started her career as a ramp model with Elite Models India for two years, Gaelyn entered the Bollywood arena in 2013 with Rohan Sippy’s Nautanki Saala. With an experience of hosting several shows on MTV, along with two editions of IIFA green carpets and also the Pro Wrestling League, Gaelyn is now all prepped up about her new role as the host of Roadies X4.

In conversation with Metrolife, she talks about her experience of being a VJ and her future plans.

How did your stint with television begin?

It happened that a friend and I were walking in a mall and I got spotted by Elite Models India. They immediately offered me a two year contract, after which I left for Goa. Even though I had to miss my semesters, modelling definitely made me curious about my options.

Apart from VJing, what else had you planned?

Being a trained Latin ballroom dancer, I always thought that I would end up with a
career in dancing.

What does VJing mean to you?

VJing is all about amplifying my personality and dishing it out to the audiences. We don’t get scripts, so our minds are always at work and that keeps us spontaneous and lets our personality shine through.

What are the pros and cons of being a VJ?

Pros: You get paid to be yourself.

Cons: Long working hours! Being a VJ requires you to have your energy levels up at all times. Even if you’re having a bad day, you need to chin up and face the day with the same amount of zeal and enthusiasm. On Roadies X4, I would have to arrive two hours before the rest of the crew came in to understand the task for the day, try it out myself, then prepare notes if needed and then host the entire day. All this is a part of the job and while these may appear to be struggles, it’s this very hard work that makes the journey and your hard work rewarding.

Whom do you compete with in the industry?

I wouldn’t say compete, but I admire Shibani Dandekar a lot. One can learn a lot by just watching her.

Do you believe that VJing helps get easy entry into Bollywood?

Nothing comes easy according to me. VJ definitely puts you on the map, but only your talent can take you places.

You have made your Bollywood debut. What’s in store next?

Nautanki Saala was one of the most exciting experiences of my life. Getting selected during the auditions was in itself a shocker for me. Acting comes naturally to me and I feel at ease in front of the camera. So, Bollywood is definitely on the list. But I also look forward to host bigger shows in future.