Your journey
I faced the camera for the first time when I was seven. It started off as a fascination but it stayed with me. I was so young and I wanted to be on TV. I was 11 when I did my daily soap Shakuntala. During this time I realised that acting is something that I want to keep doing. Then I took up Ruk Jana Nahi and finally Veera which was my first leading show. I had my novel coming out at the same time. My parents don’t interfere in my life. They keep me grounded but at the same time let me take decisions. I think this is the reason why I feel more independent. I learned everything on my own. When I decided to go on Bigg Boss, my mother was sceptical as I don’t even cook in the house. But I wanted to pursue it and I did.
Current projects
I am doing a film in Hindi now. We started shooting for it before lockdown. I am very excited about it. I can’t talk much about it, but I hope we will make an announcement very soon. I am also doing another film; it is a squad drama.
Most memorable time
I have memories from my childhood. I distinctly remember the time we went to Jammu and Kashmir; it is very special memory. The initial days of Veera are memorable as well.
Greatest challenge
The biggest challenge is when something does not turn out how you want it to. I made some hard decisions. Veera and Bigg Boss was a journey in itself. People, sometimes, don’t have faith in you but you need to have enough faith in yourself. I came from a background where I used to work every single day and suddenly my way of working changed. It was a lot of struggle where I see myself.
Biggest strength
The fact that I am very passionate about my job. I have been working for so many years and it shows how much I love it. I don’t do it and leave it. I try something different. I have a lot of struggles but it is not really out there for other people to see. I think those are my strengths.
Weaknesses
Even if I know what are my weaknesses are, I don’t speak about it in public. People would just use it against me and I don’t want that to happen.
Something you binge-watched
Old Ramayan and Mahabharat I would say. But I don’t binge-watch a lot because my eyes hurt.
Lessons learnt
I am learning a lot at the moment. Lessons on being grateful, not taking things for granted and counting my blessings. I feel that you are lucky if you have support from the ones you love.
Fitness regime
Right now, functional training, yoga, some step up and cycling at home.
Diet mantra
Diet is not about eating less but about eating at the right time. I try to avoid a lot of sweets and control my portions. I also eat five hours before sleep.
Typical day
I wake up early, work out, take a shower, take phone calls and step out for shoots. I speak to my parents regularly. On a holiday, I just relax and do almost nothing.
Ways to unwind
I love to listen to music. I can keep listening for hours.
Dreams for the future
I wish, I continue working and people are willing to watch me on screen.
Going international
Well, I hope I get international projects. As an actor, there are no such barriers. I want to be a part of shows which get global attention and recognition.
A hobby you picked up during the lockdown
I picked up painting and I must say that I thoroughly enjoy it.
One dish you whipped up during this time
Parathas! All kinds of parathas.
Why do you think your life is smart?
My life is smart because I manage to be happy.
I try to see good in others.
As told to Oshin Grace Daniell
