By Team Mangalorean, USA

"I don't dream at night, I dream all day; I dream for a living."  - Steven Spielberg

"So many of our dreams at first seem impossible, then they seem improbable, and then, when we summon the will, they soon become inevitable." - Christopher Reeve

Toronto Sept 24, 2008: To achieve great things, we must not only take the opportunities that come our way, make the right decisions, act on them, but also dream; not only plan - but also believe. We all dream in Technicolor, but how often do they turn into reality? Our childhood dreams transmute into veracity only when boosted by self confidence, dedication, hard work, buoyancy and unremitting devotion.  Such was and is the dream of 23 year old Freida Pinto from Mumbai.

Born on October 18, 1984, Freida is the second daughter to her parents - Frederick Pinto (Neerude), Sr. Branch Manager, Bank of Baroda and Sylvia Pinto (Derebail), Principal of St. John's High School, Goregaon, Mumbai.  Frieda completed her BA in English Literature from St. Xavier's College, Mumbai.  She has done some modeling assignments and travel shows which have taken her to countries such as Fiji, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Afghanistan.  Her only sister Sharon Pinto works as Associate Producer for NDTV.

A vivacious and precocious child, Freida aspired to be part of the reel life - an actor in real life. Many years down the line, her fledgling childhood dream of acting finally came true. It not only came true in the city of her birth place, Mumbai, but it came big-time too and put her on the global canvas of celluloid.

Freida Pinto is the leading actor in the internationally acclaimed UK’s film producer Danny Boyle’s latest movie called Slum Dog Millionaire. Auditions for the role took 6 months and she was shortlisted from over a thousand candidates from USA, UK, Delhi, Mumbai and Calcutta.

Slumdog Millionaire shines in Toronto. It’s about a gritty underdog story, set in Mumbai, and one that's won the People's Choice Award at the Toronto film festival. The People's Choice Award is often touted to be a harbinger of better stuff to come, such as nominations for the Academy Awards. An Oscar buzz has already been started by this film, which opens on November 28.

Slumdog Millionaire is based on Vikas Swaroop's book Q and A and the complete setting is amidst the chaotic ethos of Mumbai and spins a touching tale about a penniless waiter from Mumbai going on to become the biggest quiz-show winner in history.

It is about how an impoverished teenage slum dweller Jama Mailk (role played by newcomer Dev Patel of UK), who enters a game show - the Hindi version of "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?" His intentions are not for the high stakes - the prize money, but rather to prove his love for his friend Latika (Freida Pinto), who is an ardent fan of the show. Well known Cine star Anil Kapoor plays the egoistical quiz show host in the movie that also stars Irfan Khan.

Following are excerpts of a tête-à-tête with Freida:

M.Com:  Who is your guiding light to the glamorous world of movies?

Freida: The fact that I have been born and brought up in Bombay- a city of dreams pretty much stood out as my guiding light. I have no role models as such. Yes there are many actors I respect and I am inspired by them but stepping into the world of Cinema was my childhood plan and I am proud to have finally hit my first goal!

M.Com:   Had this been your childhood dream?

Freida:  Acting was something that I always wanted to do and I am happy to say I had my fair share of struggles getting there. It (acting) teaches you a lot about life in general and has brought me a long way.  As a child I would stand in front of the mirror performing many a challenging role that had been performed in the past by great actors, but with Freida's flavor to it. In time I learnt to create my own characters and storylines. My mirror has been my unflinchingly faithful audience, critic and fan from childhood. However, after the release of Slumdog Millionaire, I have many observing, criticizing and praising. At times, it’s almost daunting.

M.Com:   When you came to know of the offer to act in a medium which would be beamed internationally, what was your reaction?

Freida:  What do you think? Obviously I hit the roof! I couldn't stop screaming for a day! When I finally settled down I realized what a big opportunity had come my way and I knew I had to make the most of it!  This film has been a blessing for me.

M.Com:  What was your family's reaction?

Freida:  Imagine three 6 footers hitting the roof!! Ha! They are already as tall as the roof!! But yes they have been so excited for me and have been extremely supportive!!

 M.Com:  How do you feel about your initiation to international stardom?

Freida:  Spectacular!!

M.Com:  What is your impression of working with international movie personalities?

Freida:  It sets a learning curve for you that is challenging and rewarding. There is always an upward graph to working with professionals and the masters of cinema!

M.Com:  Do you think you will be moving onto Hollywood or Bollywood?

Freida: I will go anywhere where there is good and meaningful cinema - somewhere where I can learn something from and grow as an actor and as a human being. Slumdog Millionaire in that sense has been an all-encompassing experience for me. It's going to be difficult if I have to settle for anything lesser after that.

M.Com:  What are your future dreams after this new found success in movies?

Freida: To just observe and learn my trade and master it! I would definitely want to go down in history as an immensely successful fine actor.

Mangalorean.com congratulates Frieda Pinto and wishes her all the very best in her future endeavors.