Single parenting isn바카라t easy, but it바카라s a choice I made, and as with everything else in my life I have given my 100 per cent.
A popular actor, a model, single mother, a television host, a social activist, and now a celebrated nutritionist, Pooja Bedi has donned many hats and has performed wonders in each of them. What sets Pooja apart is the fact that she is fully aware of her strengths and flaws and owns her life like nobody else.
In an exclusive conversation with Outlook바카라s Eshita Bhargava, Pooja talks about her debut film 바카라Vishkanya바카라, 바카라Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar바카라, which acquired a cult status over the years, her journey so far, daughter and Bollywood actor Alaya F, and her fitness venture 바카라Happy Soul바카라.
Excerpts from the interview:
From being the fashion icon to a fitness enthusiast, how has the journey been?
For me, the journey of my life represents me simply doing what I love to do in my unconventional way. I have never followed fitness or fashion. For example, I never followed fashion blindly but instead chose to wear only what suited my personality, mood, body type, and occasion. My wardrobe comprises of the world바카라s top designers and is equally filled with shopping from roadside stalls and local shops because I believe 바카라if it looks good, it looks good!바카라 full stop. It바카라s the same for me with exercise and fitness, it could be as convenient as going to a gym or something unconventional like aerial silk or Tai Chi. Whatever motivates me and makes me want to get fit.
From being associated with bold roles to being recognised as a columnist today, how does that make you feel?
I바카라ve worn many professional hats over the last 3 decades but through it, all I have been recognised (and notoriously) for is speaking my mind and sharing views across all forms of media be it news debates, my talk show, my column, social media, and publications. It바카라s wonderful to know I can inspire and stimulate people to think differently, open their minds and hearts, and be proactive in bringing about positive change.
You바카라ve dabbled in theatre, films, written books, and been an interior decorator among other things. Now, you바카라re advising people on life and other issues. So, tell me which role has been the closest to your heart?
I love exploring life. Be it through personal experiences, relationships, travel, food, or the phenomenal body of research and courses I바카라ve done in alternative sciences, healing modalities, NLP, Behavioural resolutions, and more. People resonate with my advice because they know it comes from experience and that I바카라ve met every adversity life has thrown my way (and gosh! There have been too many!) with grace, humour and grown from strength to strength. It바카라s all about having the right attitude and to see situations differently.
How was it working with Masaba Gupta in Masaba Masaba? Do you relate to your role in any way?
Masaba is a friend, as is Neena Gupta, so it was all the more fun experience. The role was irreverent, comical, and pretty much a satire that lampooned my real life. Everyone should nurture the ability to laugh at themselves. The greatest problem is that we take ourselves and situations way too seriously and end up making a mess of it.
How was it taking care of two kids all alone?
Single parenting isn바카라t easy, but it바카라s a choice I made and as with everything else in my life it바카라s been a 바카라give it your 100 per cent or don바카라t do it바카라. It바카라s come with its highs and lows and innumerable challenges but made me wiser, happier, more wholesome, and grateful. I can바카라t even begin to express how exhilarating it is to see them spread their wings and fly.
You received a lot of appreciation for 바카라Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar바카라. Why didn바카라t we see you doing more films?
I allow life to lead me, and it seems that so many years later I바카라m back on-screen through web series which have been so well received. Masaba Masaba was #1 on Netflix and it was a thrill to see that. My second web series for Zee5, comedy couple releases late October 2020, and again, the character is a realistically spoofy version of me!
Speaking of your debut film, 바카라Vishkanya바카라 in 1991, how sure were you about what you were getting into back then?
I was a class topper and thought I was headed to Wall Street to be part of the movers and shakers of the financial world. Life had different plans for me. Be it my personal life or professional life, I never seem to know what I바카라m getting into. I just follow my intuition and have immense faith and trust in the universe.
Today, when any star kid is launched, they have so much care and attention, they are groomed and they are media savvy. They are famous much before their first film because of social media. How do you compare it with your generation?
All opportunities today are met with incredible preparation because there is so much competition. Before it was a profession, now it바카라s a business that involves managers, PR teams, social media, and promotions and in fact, kids, today earn far more from social media. They enjoy popularity and a large fan base through social media than they probably do from the profession. Our generation didn바카라t have the kind of connection with fans that the generation of today does.
And your daughter Alaya is a rage on Instagram. How does that make you feel?
It바카라s bloody hard work that she puts into her posts and the passion, integrity, responsibility, and discipline with which she handles it is apparent. It바카라s so elating to see her being adored, loved, followed, and the fact that she inspires and helps others be the best versions of themselves.
What kind of bond do you share with her?
A very deep, loving, trusting bond, and I give her all the space so she can discover her power. A parent바카라s role is not to control, it바카라s to guide and to help them stand firm on their two feet and be independent. She knows I always have her back and the joy is in knowing that today, she has mine as well.
Lastly, being someone who has seen life in various shades, what would be your advice to young girls out there?
To believe in equality, not feminism. True freedom isn바카라t about competing or putting down another gender. It바카라s about being the best they can be in every circumstance. Also, learn to recognise when they are victims of social conditioning and to always work at breaking free of limiting patterns and belief systems that may be age-old, but redundant.
Bold and Rapid:
The last few months have panned out differently for different people. How have you coped with the new normal?
I see the pandemic as a giant reset button and a fabulous time to introspect, reinvent, and re-evaluate priorities and meaning/journey of life. I바카라ve been super busy through the lockdown setting up 바카라Happy Soul바카라 and expanding it into various verticals of wellness. It바카라s been a hugely productive period.
Tell us about your wellness venture?
It바카라s a wellness wonderland focussed on the best in health and wellness and encompasses a multivendor e-commerce portal, retail stores, and wellness centres with a franchise model, our production line of products, and look forward to expanding it further into festivals and awards.
One thing you can't live without?
Activity. My life is a blizzard, and I feel like a Goddess Durga with 10 arms at all points of time with all the multitasking I do.
Your skincare routine?
I loooooove organic extra virgin cold-pressed coconut oil and natural chemical-free products.
Do we hear wedding bells anytime soon?
I have an engagement ring on my finger and I feel utterly loved and stable in this wonderful relationship. Marriage is just a formality and will happen when it does.
Your most expensive indulgence?
Having kids (She said with a big smile on her face)
When not working, we can find Pooja doing what?
When you바카라re a single parent, the lady of your home, and a working professional there is virtually no time you바카라re not working one of those departments. My detox is massage time and when I exercise.
One word/sentence when I say:
Love:
The happiest hormone
Your children:
My magical soul group
Kabir Bedi:
Daddddddddddyyyyyy!!!
Bollywood:
Soft-target
Favouritism:
Inky pinky ponky바카라.
How do you dress up when:
At home:
Jumpsuits & shorts, no make-up.
Going out with friends:
Comfortable and elegant, make-up.
Date night:
Sexy, high heels, make-up.