Maria Thattil has made a shock career change.
The former Miss Universe Australia, 30, has realised a long-held aspiration of venturing into acting.
The model and podcaster commenced filming this week for a guest appearance on the reboot of the popular Aussie soap Neighbours.
‘I took a punt submitting a self-tape for a role that I knew I probably looked a little too young to play. However, the team at Neighbours loved it. They were gracious enough to call me back for a different role and voila… Amira Devkar is coming to Ramsay St,’ Thattil said.
The character she will play is Haz Devkar’s older sister, played by Shiv Palekar, a recurring cast member on the show.
Maria Thattil (pictured) has made a shock career change. The former Miss Universe Australia, 30, has realised a long-held aspiration of venturing into acting
‘The opportunity is so aligned to my deepest values because I’m joining Neighbours at a time where the show is evolving beautifully to tell even more Australian stories,’ she said.
‘I genuinely can’t remember ever seeing a gay female South Asian Australian character on an Aussie TV show in my childhood,’ Thattil added, before claiming that not seeing this specific type of identity in media made her feel like she didn’t belong.
During her early teenage years, Thattil received training at Stage School Australia and also attended classes at BRAVE Studios in 2021.
The character she will play is Haz Devkar’s older sister, played by Shiv Palekar, a recurring cast member on the show. Thattil’s Neighbours debut is scheduled for next year
Following the publication of her book earlier this year, she resumed further coaching to hone her acting skills.
Thattil’s Neighbours debut is scheduled for next year.
Maria went Instagram official with her girlfriend Moana Hope in October, confirming speculation they were dating.
‘I genuinely can’t remember ever seeing a gay female South Asian Australian character on an Aussie TV show in my childhood,’ Thattil said
In a recent post to the social media platform, Moana and the model shared a sweet kiss, with the Australian Survivor star calling the beauty queen her ‘safe space’.
Things are reportedly getting serious between the lovebirds.
Maria has even introduced her father to her new love, as he was recently photographed sitting with them while they enjoyed a meal together.
READ MORE: Maria Thattil slams troll who questions her sexuality and suggests she’d be happier with a man
