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CULTURE CHAMELEON · Nazanin Mandi

Photography by NICK SAGLIMBENI

Triple-threat Nazanin Mandi has made waves in modeling, acting and music, and she’s made it look easy. The starlet and songstress opens up to WMB about her career, her personal life, and the changing voice of Middle Eastern women.

Makeup GABY RAMOS TORELL · Hair AL INGRAM · Styling SARAH WALLNER

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WMB: You’ve had a successful modeling career, shooting for everything from fashion to hair and swimwear campaigns. How did it all begin?
Nazanin Mandi: I was 10 years old and my mother and I were eating at In-N-Out Burger in Burbank. A photographer approached us and asked if I’d ever modeled. Of course I lied and said yes—I had made my brother follow me around with a camera all the time, so I figured I already knew how to handle myself in front of one. He booked me for a bunch of catalog work, which led to my being chosen as the new face of Ecko Unlimited.

You started your acting career on wholesome teen shows for Nickelodeon. But recently, we’ve seen your shoots getting much sexier. Explain the process of going from rated-G to NC-17?
[laughs] I’m evolving into the person I’ve always wanted to be. I’m finally comfortable with my sexuality, and I’ve also accepted that there is always a classy way to do things. It is possible to be both sexy and classy.

Besides modeling, you also sing and act. Which do you enjoy the most?
This year, I finally had kind of a breakdown which forced me to face my fears. I know that I was born to sing. It’s the most natural way for me to express myself, and I feel that I can affect the most people through music. I recently signed my label deal, and I’m working on an album now. My first single will be out in a few months.

You’ve been all over the tabloid press lately, seen dating singer Miguel. But this isn’t new, is it?
No, I’ve known Miguel forever. He and I met when I turned 18. People are just finally paying attention because of his career. It’s been a hell of a journey, but also a wonderful one.

We’re sure you’ve been asked this 1000 times because of your exotic features, but once and for all, what is your heritage?
I am half Iranian, one quarter Spanish-Mexican and one quarter Native American.

Persian women are usually considered conservative, at least from a public perspective. Is there a backlash when you do a provocative shoot?
I haven’t experienced that, yet. So far, everyone has been extremely supportive. But I always fear it’s right around the corner. I recently did a super sexy swimwear shoot for Shahs of Sunset, and I’m not even telling my father about it. [laughs] But it looks amazing and I had a blast!

What do you see changing for women of Iranian/Middle Eastern descent, as far as pop culture?
The biggest change I see is that women are being more vocal. The way they dress is also changing and they are wearing makeup, but those things are secondary. Liberation is ultimately the result of speaking up and standing together.

What was the most boring job you ever had?
Oh, God. I’ve never told anybody this, but I used to work at a marijuana dispensary. I was the receptionist, and I would just check people’s IDs and let them in. And there were cameras everywhere, so I just had to sit there all day and look productive.

What do you find most attractive in a man?
I love a really shy guy. I’m used to guys approaching me and being very pushy, or even worse are the ones who just lurk in the corner and stare. A guy who’s shy and honest but with enough confidence to talk to me is really attractive. I was a huge choir nerd in school, and I’ve always thought nerds are sexy.

What’s the most scandalous thing you’ve ever done?
Ha! I want to say it, but my mom and dad are going to read this. [laughs] I got into some trouble on a freeway overpass once. Like actually on the overpass, not in a car. Let’s just leave it at that. [blushes]

What’s your favorite food?
Pepperoni pizza. I keep it simple.

If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?
I’d remove the hate that people show each other and hold in their hearts. Everything from culture wars to online bullying. Everybody has huge balls behind a computer screen.

What is one word to describe you?
‘Chameleon.’ I’m adaptable. ▪

Pull quotes: p. 80 “I’M EVOLVING INTO the person I’VE ALWAYS WANTED TO BE”; p. 82 “IT IS POSSIBLE to be BOTH SEXY AND CLASSY.”