Mandana Karimi reveals why she left acting and embraced a new career

Published at: January 19, 2025 5:49 AM

Updated at: January 20, 2025 3:28 AM

Mandana Karimi has shared that acting was never a passion for her, and for almost a year now, she has been rejecting all offers in the industry. The Iranian actor and model, known for her appearance on Bigg Boss 9 and Bollywood films like Kya Kool Hai Hum 3 (2016) and Thar (2022), has transitioned to a new career path in interior design.

After completing her studies in the field, she is now actively working as an interior designer and also teaches as a visiting professor at several institutions. Reflecting on this change, she explained, "I started modeling at a young age to support myself, but I always regretted not being able to continue my education. A friend who owns an interior design firm introduced me to the field, and I discovered that I genuinely enjoyed it."

Now settled into a career she finds fulfilling, the 36-year-old shared, "Acting was just a job for me, not something I truly loved or felt passionate about. While I’m grateful for the experiences I had, it wasn’t something I was deeply invested in."

Since completing a year-long interior design course, Karimi has shifted her focus entirely and declined offers for acting and modeling. "It’s not easy to say no to money, but my current projects, events, and teaching responsibilities take up all my time. I’ve had to turn down auditions even from friends in the industry," she said.

Adapting to her new routine, which includes working in an office and studying, Karimi admitted, "My life has changed drastically. I now finish my office work, come home, and focus on school. It’s a completely different lifestyle, but I’m enjoying every moment of it."