Amrit Dhaliwal
Canada's Best Kept Secret - blowing up the mainstream one photo shoot at a time!
by Serena Mann
International Bollywood Film Actress & ProFitness Super Model. Spokesperson. Corporate Leader. 32 year-old Amrit Dhaliwal refuses to let any business opportunity pass her by. While working as a model for high-profile fashion lines such as Parasuco and Guess, hosting the Naked News (in Toronto), appearing on the Howard Stern Show, annual presenter at the Fashion Cares Benefit in Calgary and competing in numerous fitness competitions - Amrit maintains a corporate job as the director for a clinical research company. Balancing business with beauty. Currently, Amrit who was born in London England and raised in Calgary Alberta Canada works as the spokesperson for Alliance Entertainment, founded by the legendarythe C.E.O of Alliance Entertainment Derrick "D-Teflon" Ling who has been featured on the cover of VIBE magazine to being featured this month on Star TV in the 1hr documentary Guarding the Stars and in movies such as Collateral alongside Academy Award Winners Jaime Foxx and Tom Cruise to working as a Celebrity bodyguard for the likes of Justin Timberlake,
LL Cool J Ja Rule, and a list of many A+ Celebs and Producers in the music and film industry and also has a staff of buisness women who are also promo fitness models who work for AE under his management in crossing over these beautiful divas he calls his Secrets from the fitness world into the entertainment world in USA & Canada over the past 15yrs
.Working with such high-profile clients and managers - Amrit Dhaliwal is one Punjabi femme fatale to watch for in the mainstream media scene.
SM: Why did you get into modeling?
AD: I have a very strong creative side and view modeling as an artistic form of communication. The ability to brainstorm a concept or an artistic idea and bring it to life through an image is very powerful. The way people interpret or perceive an image is also very fascinating to me.
SM: Did you always dream of modeling?
As a little girl I always enjoyed dressing up. At the age of 5, I was sharing my mothers' wardrobe, shoes, and accessories. I was always drawn to things that were aesthetically beautiful and colourful. Today the same fascination for fashion exists.
I think at some point every girl dreams of being a model and I was no different. I started modeling while I was in University as a way to make extra cash. However, shortly thereafter, the money was secondary as I just fell in love with creating new images and transforming my look.
SM: How did your passion for modeling evolve into fitness modeling?
Actually, it is the other way around. My fitness achievements brought modeling back into my life again. I had taken a break from modeling after I completed my second degree. I started working for a large Telecom company and found myself moving up the corporate ladder very fast. This challenged my logical/analytical and business savvy side. Within three years I held a very reputable corporate position and achieved top sales performance in North America.
In 2003, I injured my right sacroiliac joint, which forced me to get a trainer to help strengthen my core muscles. Power lifting was my first introduction to strength training. On days when I did not train my hip would tighten up and hurt, so I trained out of necessity as I refused to let any permanent scar tissue develop.
As my body started to transform I decided to enter a fitness competition with some girlfriends. I challenged trainers to focus on a completely different style of training and did my first show in Las Vegas in 2004. I was hooked!
I continued on with this trainer who to this day is my dearest friend. We did a fitness calendar together and it was basically that one money shot that opened the world of modeling for me again. This time I decided to add fitness modelling to my portfolio. I have been busy since then with a combination of training sessions, photo shoots, and competitions.
"...I have no problem with plastic surgery..."
SM: Are you very competitive when it comes time to compete? What accolades have you won?
I try to stay focused as much as possible. In my opinion, the accolades are not measured by trophies, they are measured by an individual's accomplishments and determined effort. In order to achieve a fitness goal and compete many sacrifices are made. There has to be a belief in oneself to remain focused and strong-willed with a positive mental attitude. In life, there are no winners, no losers, only survivors.
SM: Do you have a boyfriend? If so, whom?
No, I have no boyfriend at this time. My life is too busy right now. I was married for 1.5 years to a Scottish gentleman and my divorce finalized earlier this year. This experience also forced me to channel my energy into training and modelling. It was a pivotal point in my life where the discipline of training had saved me emotionally. Today, I have a deep respect for the positive mental, emotional, spiritual and physical effects training has. It has become an imperative part of my life as it defines who I am and provides a sense of accomplishment everyday.
SM: Sorry to here about your breakup but it looks like things are working out for you regardless. Hmm... seems a bit inappropriate now but I was going to ask if you think you could kick your boyfriend's or ex-husband's butt.
I already have... I left him. Kicking butt is using your intelligence and not compromising your integrity.
SM: Very true. What does your daily training routine entail? I've never seen an Indian girl with abs before. Love some tips.
Yeah, it's a crazy schedule these days. Okay here it goes, Monday through Friday:
6:00am: First meal and 1/2 hr of corporate work.
7:30am: Weight training with my trainer for 1 hour.
8:30am: 45 minutes to 1 hour of cardio, a combination of elliptical and running.
9:30am: Back at work
12:00pm: 45 minutes of cardio
1:00pm: Work till 5pm
6:30pm: Enrolled in pole dancing, dancing classes
9:00pm: Follow up on my entertainment direction. Setting up photo shoots/concepts. Managing upcoming projects and travel.
11:00pm: Exhausted and in bed.
Everyday I eat 6 to 7 meals and eat clean. No junk food. No fast food. No pop. No Preservatives.
On weekends I do one hour of cardio each day and reserve it to do modeling work. These days I am taking acting classes I think its important no matter how long u have been acting to continue to refresh ur skills.
SM: Have you ever felt intimidated by the modeling industry as a woman? As a South Asian?
Absolutely not. I have been respected and treated very well in the industry. There has never been a moment of intimidation. I truly believe that one should always go for what they want. The only limiting factor in any given situation arises from one's own lack of belief. I view obstacles as a way to become even more creative and push harder. Desire and conviction are paramount to endure the most resistant path. Those who want to succeed will find a way and those who do not will find an excuse.
SM: Did you ever feel the pressure to compromise your values to succeed in the industry? Have you ever had to deal with issues such as the notorious "casting couch" - we all hear stories.
No. I am who I am and if someone has a different value or belief system then they are entitled to that. However, I have the option not to align myself with something that contradicts who I am and what I stand for.
SM: Being in the modeling industry, appearances do matter. Did you ever feel pressured to conform to a certain standard of beauty?
Of course, the fitness industry is all about the ideal benchmark of a subjective opinion. All judging is on muscle tone, symmetry, leanness and confidence, poise. You are always in competition with the other contestants.
The glamour high fashion modelling is different as this is a creative form of expression. There is no right or wrong.
SM: Have you ever had any plastic surgery done?
Yes.
SM: May I ask on what?
My breasts were done over 10 years ago. I have no problem with plastic surgery. I think that if it is done to make you look and feel good about yourself then no one has the right to judge. One cannot live life pleasing others, please yourself and feel happy in your body whatever that may look like.
SM: Was your family supportive of your modeling?
My family was not supportive when I was in my University years. I guess they wanted me to get educated, get married and then do whatever I wanted. Typical Indian family. However, I come from a family where everyone works out and watches what they eat. No rotis at our house in the evening. They supported my fitness competitions and goals and naturally supported my modelling that grew from this. Today, they are my biggest supporters.
SM: You've been labeled "Canada's Best Kept Secret since Pamela Anderson", do you view yourself as a sex-symbol?
No, I do not view myself as a sex symbol. There are so many beautiful women but I believe true sex appeal comes from an inner confidence.
SM: As the spokesperson for Alliance Entertainment, what is it like having legendary Derrick "D-Teflon" Ling as a manager?
Derrick and I brainstorm on everything together and no one makes a move without consulting the other. It really is a team environment at Alliance Entertainment.
SM: I hear that you are working on a fashion line called "Dhaliwal Fashions" is this affiliated with D-Teflon's Line of Designer Suits?
Yes, Derrick and I are working on a fashion line together. However, we have decided to use my first name as the label, "Amrit" versus my last. As a corporate woman myself, there will also be a female version of designer suits.
SM: Are you and Derrick Ling involved in a romantic relationship?
This is the first time anyone asked me this question. We are good friends and have a deep respect for one another. There is no romantic involvement, we are strictly business and have no time to get side tracked. Remember what I said earlier about focus, never take your eye off the end result.
SM: Just out of curiosity, do you think you could kick his butt if you tried?
He may look big but is a total teddy bear. Yup, I can kick his booty! He knows better than to mess with a Punjabi Woman.
SM: That's right! Any advice to aspiring models or those entering the corporate world?
Never give up!!! Just when you think you cannot do something... get creative and snap out of your funk. These paths of modeling and corporate business are not for quitters. Above all, never jeopardize your integrity for the dollar. Hard work always pays off.
SM: What's next for Amrit Dhaliwal?
I will be working on numerous projects such as the Alliance Entertainment "Making of the Dynasty" DVD Reality Series. This will take viewers on the journeys of the lives of the AE Team and a behind the scenes look on what it takes to make AE such a successful and dominate company in the entertainment industry.
I am also involved with the D-Teflon's Secrets Calendar Search where I will be a featured cover girl. I will be working on gearing up in an intense training regiment over the next months as I plan to make my return back to fitness competing. I will be competing in the Upcoming Fame World's and will be in L.A banging off some photoshoots and I would also like to be a presenter at the upcoming Fashion Cares Aids benefit in Toronto in 2007
In August I will be relocating to New York City and will become a resident to work in our NYC offices.
I will also continue taking acting courses. I will soon be featured in upcoming videos and working with some top producers in the film industry from within Canada, USA and India as well.
There are a few other big things that I am currently working on. The project is called "Evolution Amrit" This will not be released till late 2007. I cannot share everything otherwise, I would not live up to the name of Canada's Best Kept Secret... So stay tuned, you will have to wait and see.
I am truly happy in the moment and thankful for all the blessings in disguise. God Bless you all and follow your dreams!