Your journey
It has never been an easy ride for me. I always had to work hard to get whatever I achieved. People often wonder how I am always doing some or the other project. However, whatever I achieved has not happened overnight. It took a lot of hard work and, yes, there were setbacks. But I am someone who has a lot of patience and faith.
Honestly, i never even asked myself whether I want to be part of the entertainment industry or not. It was my mother who made me think about it more seriously; she was the one who pushed me for Miss India training as well. In the pageant, most girls were all groomed and decked up, and then there was me—an under-confident person who came straight from the hostel instead of a salon. My mother has always been there for me. After the pageant, when I came to Mumbai, I realised that things were not very easy. So, I went back to pursue my higher education. But later, I realised that I cannot study and I came back again. I started off my job as a casting director. I got the job when I went for an acting audition. Although the director loved my acting, the character was not the right fit. So, I was asked to work with them while auditioning at the same time.
Memorable Times
Splitsvilla is still fresh in my memory because the time that I spent there with my new set of friends was truly amazing and I always feel like going back.
Greatest Challenge
One of the greatest challenges I faced was during the reality show, India’s Next Superstar. The competition was not with anybody but myself. I was suffering from a cervical(neck) spasm. In between the show, I was told by my doctor that I cannot participate further and that I had to back out. But I fought and reached the finale. I was really proud of myself at that point.
Strengths
Akash Choudhary and Anmol Choudhary. I feel like most of my friendships start with a hate relationship. When I was in Splitsvilla with Akash, we were not really friends but today, he is very important to me; I can’t imagine my life without him. I know that I have a shoulder to cry on. And the best part is that I don’t need a boyfriend because he is somebody who pampers me and takes care of me.
Weaknesses
I don’t have any weaknesses as such. But I am always emotional. Not an emotional fool though. So, I don’t consider my emotions a weakness, but it is a strength to me. Nobody can manipulate me or make a fool out of me.
What do you binge-watch?
I love watching shows that have magic, supernatural elements and I tend to watch most shows under the fantasy genre.
Lessons learnt
Although there are a lot of things, one of the most important things that I have learned in my life is that one has to be true to oneself. And nothing else matters. If people try to put dirt on you, well, it is the dirt that is coming out of their mouth. That is not your problem.
Fitness Regime
Eat whatever you want to eat until you have a project coming. Once the project is signed, I think ten days are enough for me to get back in shape. Jokes apart, I am a workout freak. I don’t miss my workout sessions and even if my work finishes at midnight, you can see me in the gym an hour after I get back.
Diet Mantra
I think more than my diet, I have cheat days. To eat those cheat day meals, I have to diet very religiously throughout the week. So, I stick to a lot of proteins like fish and egg whites.
Typical Day
My typical day involves spending a lot of time with my dogs. I don’t believe in taking offs because I have chosen a line of work where I don want any breaks. All I want is to work every day like a crazy woman.
Ways to unwind
I just switch off my phone and relax.
Dreams for the future
I am not someone who sits and dreams. If I think of something, I follow it and just do it. Dreaming is for people who sleep. I am someone who loves to be in reality.
Making a mark internationally
That is my next move. That is one thing I really want to do.
What are your future projects?
I will soon be seen in a reality TV show. So, stay tuned for that.
Why do you think your life is smart?
Everybody is hardworking but there is always a way to do ‘smart’ work. What I have understood through my struggle is that hard work may not always pay off but smart moves are powerful.
As told to Oshin Grace Daniell
