Exclusive! Neymar’s ex-girlfriend Natalia Barulich: If I make it in Bollywood, I will invite Neymar for my film premiere – Times of India

From binging on pani puri to sipping nariyal pani, American model and actress, Natalia Barulich enjoyed her time at Juhu Beach just like a local. As she posed on the beach in an ethnic Indian attire exclusively for Bombay Times, all eyes were on her. “This is my first trip to India,” said Natalia, who’s known to many as Brazilian footballer Neymar Jr’s ex-girlfriend.
‘Bollywood needs a Latina’

Natalia is currently learning to speak Hindi and taking Kathak lessons. “I have also taken coaching in acting here,” she said. Talking about her decision to spend time in Mumbai, she said, “I have always wanted to come to India. I am in love with the culture, the people, spirituality and Bollywood. There could be projects in the pipeline, but that’s in God’s hands. I don’t think there’s a Latina in Bollywood. I think Bollywood needs one. I am picking up Hindi and enjoying my Kathak classes. It is a difficult dance form, as the footwork is very fast and the spins are tough, but I am learning it.”

‘I am a fan of Katrina and Salman’
About her fondness for Hindi cinema, Natalia, who’s also been a DJ, says, “I enjoy watching Bollywood films. I am a big fan of Katrina Kaif, she’s my idol and I hope to meet her someday. I also like Salman Khan. In fact, I like Bollywood stars more than Hollywood actors. I recently saw Pathaan, and I was blown away seeing Shah Rukh Khan doing action and how stunning Deepika (Padukone) looked.”

‘I am so much more than someone’s girlfriend’

On the personal front, Natalia says that she is single, and her work is her focus right now. The model-actress, who had dated Colombian singer Maluma and was later in a relationship with football icon Neymar Jr, shares that dating well-known celebrities has its side effects. She explains, “One of the biggest struggles for me was being called somebody’s girlfriend. These people are so famous that it discredits my talent. I am so much more, but that’s how they label you. I am trying to break away from that. I haven’t had my moment to shine yet, but that is coming soon!”

‘I didn’t leave Maluma for Neymar’

In 2020, the actress was in the news over her relationship, which was dubbed as a love triangle. It was reported that Natalia met Neymar at his party, where her then-boyfriend Maluma was performing. Sometime later, she split with the musician and started dating Neymar. Clearing the air, Natalia said, “That is not the truth. I didn’t leave one guy for another. I left the first relationship because it was not fit for me. It’s just that the separation wasn’t announced. There was no love triangle. I was single when I met Neymar. Today, when I look back, I have nothing but love and respect for them both.”

Her relationship with Neymar lasted for only a few months. Does she regret rushing into the relationship? “The relationship wasn’t intense. I didn’t rush into it. It was built on friendship, which we continue to have till date. Neymar is an amazing human being and father, and of course, a great footballer. He’s one of the kindest men I have ever met. I need to tell him to come to India. I don’t know if he has been here, but I am sure he would absolutely love it. I have no grudges against anyone. In fact, one day if I make it in Bollywood, I will invite him for the premiere, I will also invite Maluma. Let’s see who shows up (laughs).”