Mandeep Dhillon

MAndeep

dhillon

Dress: Stello @stello Pants: April & Alex @aprilalexshop Heels: Stylist’s Own Earrings: Kasha Bali @kasha_bali

Gown: Ong Oaj Pairam @ongoajpairamofficial Turtleneck: Host and Var @hostandvar Heels: Just Fab @justfabonline Earrings: Mahrukh Akuly @mahrukh.akuly.jewelry

Gown: Ong Oaj Pairam @ongoajpairamofficial Turtleneck: Host and Var @hostandvar Heels: Just Fab @justfabonline Earrings: Mahrukh Akuly @mahrukh.akuly.jewelry

Yellow Dress: Ong Oaj Pairam @ongoajpairamofficial Floral Dress: Host and Var @hostandvar Heels: Stylist’s Own Ring: Afle Bijoux @aflebijoux Earrings: Mahrukh Akuly @mahrukh.akuly.jewelry

Yellow Dress: Ong Oaj Pairam @ongoajpairamofficial Floral Dress: Host and Var @hostandvar Heels: Stylist’s Own Ring: Afle Bijoux @aflebijoux Earrings: Mahrukh Akuly @mahrukh.akuly.jewelry

Dress: Stello @stello Pants: April & Alex @aprilalexshop Heels: Stylist’s Own Earrings: Kasha Bali @kasha_bali

MAndeep dhillon

By: Olivia Vitarelli

Mandeep Dhillon knew she was destined for bright lights and big screens the moment she bawled at an expired audition advert for British pop group S Club 7 junior. Eighteen years following the disbanding of the group, Mandeep has finally collected herself, forging her own way in the industry as the star of CBS’s new series CSI: Vegas.

Dhillon grew up in Hertfordshire, a county just an hour outside of London. “I am the youngest of three children and was raised solely by my mother,” she shares of her formative years. “I think being the youngest definitely led me to this career, as I would always be entertaining my siblings, doing silly dances and accents.” Mandeep first employed these entertainment chops at school. “Where I was from and also growing up with not much spare money, my mum couldn’t afford to put me into acting classes or drama groups,” she explains. “That meant that I took part in all the plays in school and was in the choir and got to express my creative side there. When I was 19 I got an agent and booked my first job, WOOHOO.”

From Bollywood, to her primary school teacher, all the way to S Club 7, Mandeep reflects on a few key influences that motivated her venture into the industry. “I remember when I was ten there was an open audition for “S Club 7 junior” (if you don’t know about S Club 7),” she clarifies, “(please look them up, great songs!). Anyway, I remember seeing the poster about the auditions and getting so excited to then look at the date and realize, it was a month back and I had missed it. I remember being ten and sobbing because I thought that was that, my dreams were over. But, even though I was sobbing, I still had this strong knowing deep inside that one day I would be a star, acting, singing, and dancing, and I think that the person who instilled that belief was my school teacher, Mr. Gentry. He was amazing. He always told us students that we could be whatever we wanted to be and whoever we wanted to be.” In addition to the influence of Mr. Gentry, Mandeep was moved by the spectacular world of Bollywood films. “I would pretend that I was in them and dance around the living room,” she shares, “so Shahrukh Khan definitely inspired me too, and still does.”

Mandeep plays Allie, the bright lead of the new CSI: Vegas, which premiered on CBS this past October. “Allie is awesome,” the actress raves. “She is so smart, sharp and witty. She came to Vegas to study and sort of never left. She grew up in India and went to an international school (hence the British accent). She is a badass and she is so good at her job.” The new series, which is a spin-off of the original and beloved CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, will bring together new and old fans alike. “I think the fans of the original series will love seeing Sara and Gil back together and seeing them as a married couple,” Mandeep reveals. “They never got to see that play

out last time, so I think that will be exciting for them. I think new fans will enjoy the whole world. It’s fresh, it’s exciting, and it’s also funny.”

Audiences are sure to enjoy sparks of comedy throughout the series, and, thankfully, it sounds the cast did too. While filming scenes in the jovial setting of a morgue, Mandeep explains, “Matt and I would get the giggles, and then Mel would too, and then we would all be standing over a fake corpse just laughing. I love laughing during a take and I know that’s bad, but when you have worked with Ricky Gervais you can’t help but enjoy it. Bring on the blooper reel.” Ultimately drawn to the role by Allie’s elaborate backstory, Mandeep says, “The bio of her character was so detailed and she has so much history that intrigues me. I am excited to explore more of that.” Mandeep connects to Allie, who shares a similar experience of working and adventuring in a place far from home. “[Allie] is in a foreign country and at the time of filming so was I,” Mandeep says. “I think that really helped me to be able to embody how she must be feeling at times, because I was out in LA with no family and no friends (although I have made some lifelong ones doing this job) and at times I most definitely felt homesick, which Allie for sure feels too.” Of course, Mandeep found no difficulty separating herself from the character. “The biggest difference is obvious, SHE IS A SCIENTIST AND I AM NOT! Hahahaha. I actually wish I was great at science because then I could have been an astronaut.”

While a career as a space cadet might not be in the cards for now (never say never!), Mandeep is exploring another discipline: writing. “I love it! I really do love it,” she says of creating her own content. “When I was younger I loved English in school. For my Drama exam I remember writing a play, directing it, casting it, and then playing the lead. The other students must have thought that I was so bossy, but I had such a passion for storytelling,” she says. “Then, whilst I was starting my professional acting career, I forgot about writing, until about four years ago, when a producer for BBC approached me and said he would love to see some of my writing. At that time I had nothing to show him, which then inspired me to go away and create something.” While Mandeep can’t divulge full details regarding her latest undertaking just yet, she affirms “I am currently developing my own series which is so exciting and I cannot wait for the world to watch it.” Dhillon’s multidimensionality doesn’t end with writing—she also sings and dances! “I think it’s in my DNA,” she says of the passion. “Coming from an Indian background, Bollywood is huge. Even though my family weren’t all that fussed about it, I certainly was.” Mandeep’s love for Bollywood has motivated its position on her ultimate ranking of dream roles: a superhero, a role in a Bollywood film, and “a really gritty character who wears no makeup.” To prepare for the undertakings, Mandeep says, “I actually made a decision recently to take my singing more seriously and so now I have started having proper vocal training and all I’m saying is, watch out for the album. Haha!”

The multitalented actor, singer, dancer, writer, Bollywood aficionado, astronaut, and soon-to-be Grammy Award-winning singer, having such an abundance of feather’s in her cap, has certainly learned a few things over the years. “Be kind to everyone,” she says of the greatest lesson the industry has taught her. “It doesn’t cost you anything and you never know what someone is going through, so please be kind.” Mandeep continues, revealing the secret to survival in the industry: believing in oneself. “Know that you are worthy of success. Know that your ideas and stories and talents are placed within you on purpose, in fact that IS your purpose, so please don’t stop. I believe to be a human is to be a creative, that is what we do every day, we create our lives, so whatever you do, create a magical, abundant and fruitful life for yourself. Also, never be afraid to step into your light and never dim your light for ANYONE. You deserve to be in the room, so SHINE.”

Mandeep’s parting sentiment is a message to all: “I just pray that every person reading this interview right now has an amazing day and knows that they are loved. To anyone who isn’t having an amazing day, please know that feelings are temporary and brighter days are ahead. XOXO Gossip Girl,” she signs off. A quick clarifying quip follows: “(sorry always wanted to do that).”

Photographer: Heather Koepp Stylist: Amia Serrano Hair: Rolando Aqui

Dress: Stello @stello Pants: April & Alex @aprilalexshop Heels: Stylist’s Own Earrings: Kasha Bali @kasha_bali

Top: Stello @stello Pants: Host and Var @hostandvar Heels: Stylist’s Own Earrings: Mahrukh Akuly @mahrukh.akuly.jewelry

Top: Stello @stello Pants: Host and Var @hostandvar Heels: Stylist’s Own Earrings: Mahrukh Akuly @mahrukh.akuly.jewelry

Dress: Stello @stello Pants: April & Alex @aprilalexshop Heels: Stylist’s Own Earrings: Kasha Bali @kasha_bali

Top: Stello @stello Pants: Host and Var @hostandvar Heels: Stylist’s Own Earrings: Mahrukh Akuly @mahrukh.akuly.jewelry

Dress: Stello @stello Pants: April & Alex @aprilalexshop Heels: Stylist’s Own Earrings: Kasha Bali @kasha_bali