Your journey
I started my journey at the age of 22 and a half, and my first show was Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. Before that I did a short film alongside Amir Bashir which was directed by Anand Rai. After that I got into Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki, and there is this talk show that no one really knows about called Say Na Something. It was originally hosted by Anupam Kher but I don’t know why he could not do it for a couple of months, so I stepped in his shoes for some time. After that I did Bade Acche Lagte Hai for 11 months and took a six-year long sabbatical and returned on the TV screens with Kasautii Zindagii Kay.
Current projects
As of now, I am only working on Kasautii Zindagii Kay. I was offered two commercials but it did not work out as the dates did not match.
Memorable times
There are three memorable moments, the first one was when I got my first pay cheque and my first car. The second memorable moment was when I got married to Harshal and the third one was when we had our son Arhaan.
Greatest challenge
With all modesty, I am not a vamp but I have mostly played negative roles. I have never been able to belittle somebody which my characters have done and that is why I always say that I have never been able to connect to my characters. Before Arhaan was born, I never had a challenge as such. I always had good food on my table, a beautiful house to stay and a driver driving my car. But since Arhaan was born, I have to take care of all his routine balancing my personal and professional life. But [touch wood] I have my mother-in-law staying in the same building and I also have my mother staying with me sometimes so it is not that big of an issue.
Strengths
I guess my biggest strength is one teaching which I believe in even today—don’t let people put you down, rise back up with all your strength. Even when someone rubs me in the wrong way I always retaliate with my work. Whenever someone said that I cannot do it, I always do it and show them.
Weaknesses
My weakness is food. If I smell ghee, I just have that irresistible urge of wanting it on my roti and rice. Then if I see my mother frying chicken, then no matter what diet I am on, I just jump on it. And apart from that my weakness is dance and music. When I am alone, I would just dance my heart out. Watches and perfumes are also on the list.
Movies you binge watched.
There are a couple of movies, one is Dil Chahta Hai; the second one is Lagaan. Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara—I must have watched 12-13 times. Then there is Matrix which I have watched many times. Devil Wears Prada and Batman which I can watch all over again. In short, I enjoy watching inspirational and superhero movies.
Lessons learned
Just live your life and let others live.
Diet and fitness regime
I drink about four litres of water. I also have almonds every day, because my grandmother used to give them to me during my entire school life. Then I need to have some or the other form of egg in the morning and a healthy breakfast. The fact is that I keep eating something or the other every two hours. Maybe a fruit or a vegetable like beetroot. Talking about physical exercise, I started playing badminton and I am also very fond of dance so I do jazz and a lot of splits, lunges and squats. I work out in the gym either in the morning or in the evening. I believe in eating right, I do not believe in starvation. For me dieting is ‘die-eating-right’.
Typical day
There is no typical day as such. I get up at 5:30 in the morning and go to the gym. When I get back, I wake up Arhaan, go for my shoot and get back home around 8pm. I have my dinner and then meditate before going to sleep.
Ways to unwind
Hugging Arhaan and Harshal. And some nice meditation music.
Dream for the future
To be happy, mentally, physically and innately.
Why do you think your life is smart?
My life is smart because I don’t believe in belittling people. I believe in growing together. People might have their own perspective of having a smart life but for me, it is simple—I am driven by my will and passion. Secondly, if you don’t treat people in an appropriate manner, no matter who you are or what you possess you don’t exist for me. I have never belonged to a megalomaniacal crowd. Materialistic things don’t attract me as much as honesty and a positive vibe.
As told to Oshin Grace Daniell