We are all beautiful because we are all unique!
1. Tell us about your upbringing & journey.
I was born to Doctor parents living in New Delhi, India. My parents were workaholics & always gave priority to their work (patients). When both your parents are Doctors, life becomes quite independent (lonely), monotonous, hectic, stressful & sometimes fun & relaxed. The fun & relaxed days were the days we seldom got, as the profession demands 24x7 service to anyone who is in distress.
I still remember how desperately me & my brother used to wait for Sunday Evenings! Being a 5-6 years old kid, I used to feel envy (haha). I used to complain that why so many people keep falling sick & come to my parents for treatment.
Many a days, after school, I used to fall asleep while leaning against the Clinic’s window waiting for my parents to get free. But I have to mention that they tried their level best to make up for everything during that weekly half day off.
Fromm taking us out to libraries, sports complex, movies, parks, markets, pizza dinners to helping us in our school’s homework to cooking special meals at home- Sunday evenings were always special.
Talking about my journey, I was later shifted to a day boarding school where I used to learn, play & eat in the school. Used to reach home in the evening to have dinner & sleep with my family.
And yes I also became a Doctor like my Mom. I completed B.H.M.S. (Bachelor of Homoeopathic Medicine and Surgery) from a college in Rajasthan.
2. Are you someone who likes to take control of the wheel or stay back whilst enjoying the scenic vistas?
Well, it depends! I stay in Mumbai, traffic on the roads is crazy most of the time. I have to drive 2-4 hours daily for work. I wouldn’t mind sitting at the back seat in a chauffeur driven car! But I love driving in beautiful empty roads like while going to Goa or in Ladakh.
3. How did you become a Model & an Actor & reach this stage?
As I mentioned that I became a Doctor like my mom, switching to the Acting & Modeling field happened very unexpectedly. Since childhood, I used to see my parents working so hard in their clinic for years. I don’t think I will be happy spending my life’s 30-40 years in a cabin.
Same schedule, same city, same cabin, similar problems - that’s too monotonous for me. I wanted something else from life. I love to travel, meet new people, explore places & cultures.
Cutting the story short, after giving my final year’s medical exams, I moved to Mumbai!
4. What’s your opinion of body image created by the media & how hard is it to put up with it?
There’s a difference between Being healthy & slim and being unhealthy & slim. No profession or any amount of money is more important than one’s health. I never starved myself nor I suggest anyone to do so in order to fit in this world of Acting or Modeling. Healthy living & watchful eating is important.
Am I looking fat? Am I looking short? Are my facial features attractive or not? Is my dress fashionable in trend or not? These are all insecurities of our own mind. I also feel the same at times. But there’s no definition of beauty.
We are all beautiful because we are all unique!
Beauty is an attitude. Beauty is about being comfortable & confident in our own skin, Once you know & accept yourself the way you’re, you feel beautiful then what people or media think, doesn’t really matter!
5. How important is social media validation in your profession.
As humans we seek validation. We live in an era where we actively seek some sort of validation through social media. I’m no different. Whenever I post any picture, I expect some sort of flattering comments or a certain amount of likes.
I know that subconsciously, I’ve been seeking validation on social media. I want people to acknowledge & appreciate my presence by following me. I will not deny the fact that even while traveling, I spend more time to get the perfect shot to post on Instagram.
But Social media has lot of benefits, only if we use it the right way. It allows us to stay up to date & be connected to the world. It helps me increase the trust people have in me & my craft.
I think, seeking validation is not wrong, looking for other’s approval to feel self-assured, valued and fulfilled is definitely not healthy.
If we stay authentic, do some digital detox at times, connect with people in the real world, practice affirmations & gratitude then I don’t think this can negatively affect anyone of us. If a person is cognisant of one’s personality, worldview, role, wants & needs, he will be able to get over it.
But if you find yourself negatively impacted by social media, it’s time to re-evaluate what it means to you & how you want to utilise it.
6. How can one take care of their mental health in this high pressure glamorous field?
Acting/ Modeling can be very stressful at times. Long working hours, travel fatigue, pressure to constantly look good. Actors are placed on a metaphorical pedestal. We often crumble under the burden of appearing picture perfect. We have to manage performance anxiety, face rejection, handle financial instability, etc..
I have no shame in admitting that I also feel frustrated, sad, tired, confused, anxious at times. Then I tell myself, “Breathe, it’s just a bad day, not a bad life.” No rain, no flowers.
I do these things to cope up with the bad days by getting regular exercise, eating healthy, staying hydrated, sleeping timely & properly, focusing on positivity, staying connected with friends & family, practising healthy coping mechanisms and most importantly practicing meditation & gratitude.
If a person does even 10 mins of Daily meditation & practices daily gratitude there’s no way he can be in Depression!
7. Which is your favourite book & why?
Well, I have many favourites (haha) like THE SECRET & THE MAGIC by Rhonda Byrne, The Alchemist by Panlo Coelho, The subtle art of not giving a f*uck by Mark Manson. They keep me positive & motivated. And I believe being humble & grateful for what we have is very important in life.
These books help me stay on this path. I love reading autobiographies too. The whole idea is to experience something without actually experiencing it, learning from other’s mistakes.
And how can I forget FACEBOOK by Mark Zuckerberg, I love it too!
After all, we are nothing but stories!
- Interviewed By Kusum Jha
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