Iranian model-turned-actor Mandana Karimi will be seen in Shivam Nair`s action thriller 'Bhaag Johnny' alongside Kunal Khemu releasing this year. Prior to joining films, Mandana has modeled for various renowned fashion designers and has appeared in several television ads.

Interestingly, the makers of the thriller - director Shivam and writer Vikram Bhatt had signed Mandana considering her foreign connect. But when they met the leggy lass during the audition process, they were amazed to discover that she looked more Indian for the character than she was supposed to play in the film. Accordingly, Mandana had to lighten her hair colour from black to light brown and wear blue contact lenses required for her character. Quite an irony!

Mandana says, "I was surprised to know that I look more Indian for the character I had to play in the movie. It`s a compliment! I did whatever I was asked to for my character."