Key Highlights:
- CA Ojas Rajani: CA turned celebrity makeup artist.
- Founder of Rajani Makeup and Hair Academy.
- Desk jobs didn’t satisfy her creative soul.
- Acted in Hollywood and Tamil films.
- Praised for role in S. Shankar’s movie ‘I’.
- Came out as gay in the 1990s.
- Faced challenges after coming out.
- Self-confidence and parental support were her pillars.
Growing up Gay in the 1990s: An Entrepreneur’s Inspiring Journey
Back in the day, there was this vibrant girl, full of dreams and a passion for makeup. Even though she excelled in her studies, she had a penchant for experimenting with different makeup looks.
Picture this: at a family gathering, she got the chance to showcase her makeup skills to her aunt for her wedding day. And boy, did she impress! The guests were in awe. They kept exclaiming, “Wow! How did she manage to do such a spectacular job at such a young age? And without any professional training too!”
But here’s the twist: she hailed from a traditional Gujarati family. And in their world, a girl indulging in makeup was often met with raised eyebrows. She would often overhear whispers like, “Oh, she’s too flamboyant” or “She’s such a pansy.” Yet, she never let these comments dim her sparkle.
In fact, she was so self-assured and fearless that just one look from her would silence any critics. No one dared to belittle her or make her feel out of place. Whether it was friends, family, or distant relatives, everyone held deep respect for her and her choices.
A big part of her confidence stemmed from her supportive parents. Especially her dad, Mr. Mahendra Rajani. With his Western background, he played a significant role in shaping her modern outlook. They were her rock, constantly reinforcing that she was perfect just the way she was.
So, what’s the takeaway from her journey? Always believe in yourself, embrace your true identity, and remember, every sparkle has its unique shine. And she? She shined the brightest!
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From Ledgers to Lipstick: CA Ojas Rajani
The Unconventional Journey of a CA turned Makeup Artist
Picture this: A bustling college in Mumbai, students eagerly checking exam results. Amidst this, a young girl and her anxious father scan the list. And then, boom! There it was, her name, shining right at the top. The pride in her father’s eyes that day is a memory she cherishes forever.
But let’s rewind a bit. This young dynamo had always been a go-getter. Her father dreamed of her becoming a Chartered Accountant (CA), and she, always eager to make him proud, pursued the dream with all her might. She aced her studies, graduated from the prestigious Sydenham College in Mumbai, and even topped her class.
Post-graduation, she dived straight into the corporate world. But here’s the thing: while her intellect thrived, her creative soul felt trapped. The life of ledgers, audits, and balance sheets? Not her cup of tea. Every day she spent behind that desk, she yearned for colors, creativity, and charisma.
Finally, a day came when she couldn’t bear it any longer. With a heavy heart, she approached her father with a bold proclamation, ready to face whatever consequences awaited. But in response? She got a week. One week to introspect, explore, and decide her path.
And oh, what a journey that decision led her on! She took a leap of faith, jetted off to the US, and enrolled at the famed Beauty School of America, the Miami School of Hair and Makeup. And, as they say, the rest is history.
From the hustle and bustle of Mumbai to the glitz and glamour of the US entertainment world, she made her mark. The names in her portfolio? Only some of the biggest in the business – Britney Spears, Mariah Carey, Jennifer Lopez, and many more.
It’s not every day that you come across a story of a CA who swapped her calculator for a makeup brush. But when you do, it’s nothing short of inspiring!
From Hollywood to Bollywood: A Makeup Maestro’s Golden Opportunity
Mumbai – the city of dreams and the heart of Bollywood. After a remarkable stint in Hollywood, spanning over six-and-a-half years, our makeup artist genius decided to drop by her home city for what she thought was a brief visit.
Her days in Mumbai were passing by, filled with nostalgia and a touch of homesickness. But fate, it seems, had other plans. A casual catch-up call with her old pal, the ace photographer Suresh Natrajan, was about to change the course of her career.
The offer on the table? To be the makeup artist for the dazzling Urmila Matondkar for her upcoming film. While the opportunity was tempting, the clock was ticking. With her return flight to Miami just 20 days away, she was hesitant.
But Suresh, knowing her prowess, urged her to just meet Urmila. With a bit of reluctance and a bag full of makeup wonders, she went on to meet the Bollywood diva. And to her surprise, there was no tedious trial or audition. Urmila, having full faith in Suresh’s recommendation, was ready to onboard her right away.
The project in question was none other than the 1995 Bollywood blockbuster, “Rangeela”. And as the world saw, Urmila dazzled on the screen, partly because of her outstanding performance and partly because of the impeccable makeup artistry that enhanced her features.
That movie wasn’t just a hit; it was the turning point in our artist’s life. It was the moment when she truly made her mark in the Bollywood industry.
As she reminisced about this golden opportunity, she couldn’t help but feel a surge of gratitude towards her parents. They had always been her pillars, and it was their encouragement that made her seize the day and embrace the Bollywood adventure. A testament that sometimes, the best opportunities come when you least expect them!
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Navigating Challenges and Climbing the Ladder: Breaking Boundaries in Bollywood
In the glamorous world of Bollywood, talent often shone brighter than one’s personal attributes. Our industrious makeup artist found a majority embracing her for her unmatched skills, rather than focusing on her sexuality. However, the journey was not without its bumps.
Every so often, she would encounter directors who harbored homophobic tendencies. Yet, her dedication and professionalism swiftly altered any preconceived notions they held. Her work ethic was her shield and sword. She would let the brilliance of her craft silence the whispers and quell the doubters.
Despite her unwavering commitment, there were instances where she was ousted from projects. A setback? Perhaps. But she didn’t let these obstacles deter her spirit or mar her confidence. She believed in the language of work, and indeed, her actions echoed loudly, earning her accolades and opportunities.
A moment of quiet vindication unfolded when Aishwarya Rai, a global icon, personally chose her over a foreign makeup artist for the movie Action Replayy. Such endorsements were not just wins but were affirmations of her excellence and the respect she commanded in the industry. Over the years, she adorned the roles of makeup artist and stylist for numerous revered actresses, including the legendary Sridevi, Raveena Tandon, and Mahima Chaudhry, further solidifying her place in Bollywood’s elite echelon.
In the initial years, she was a trailblazer, being the only makeup artist in Bollywood who seamlessly blended the roles of a hairstylist and costume stylist. This unique combination made her an invaluable asset to filmmakers, setting her apart and garnering the attention of renowned directors.
She fondly recollects the advice from Urmila during the Rangeela days, guiding her to assert her worth and ensure her timely compensation. Heeding to this, she began demanding her rightful dues, echoing the standards of the actors and actresses she worked alongside. From business class tickets to prime hotel accommodations, she ensured her needs were met, underscoring the significance of her role in shaping the entire look of a character or a bride.
This disciplined approach, mutual respect for others’ time, and unyielding dedication to her craft paved her path to resounding success. It’s a story of resilience, conviction, and the unyielding belief in one’s abilities, setting a precedent for many to draw inspiration from.
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In Conclusion…
It’s not about the tags, titles, or labels society bestows upon us. It’s about the passion we bring to our craft and the dedication with which we pursue our dreams. In the vast spectrum of human existence, everyone has a right to their individuality, to love, to dream, and to be.
Sadly, society often tends to stereotype and judge based on age-old norms and preconceived notions. It’s true, the corporate world can sometimes be harsher, with certain biases more pronounced. It’s disheartening to see anyone, be it gays, lesbians, or anyone else, facing discrimination.
To all those reading, remember this: You are unique, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with being true to who you are. If society tries to dim your shine or change your colors, remember that the issue lies with their perspective and not with your essence.
Living life on one’s own terms is the bravest and most genuine way to exist. Why waste time tearing others down when we can uplift, empower, and inspire?
In the end, what truly matters is love, understanding, and letting everyone be the best version of themselves. If they aren’t harming or hindering anyone else’s journey, why should their choices ever be a matter of concern? Let’s all aim for a world more accepting, more embracing, and more loving. And with that, this tale signs off, with the hope that each one finds their unique path, undeterred and unstoppable.
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