Anchal Kumar has been one of the top models in the Indian fashion industry before settling down. She won the Gladrags supermodel contest and has been featured in advertisements for brands such as Rexona, Sunsilk, and Bombay Dyeing. She has been featured in music videos & films like Bluffmaster (2005) and Raat Baaki Baat Baaki (2000).
As of Today, she is married to Anupam Mittal, CEO, of Shaadi.com & has a doting daughter named, Alyssa. According to her “Being a mum is the best role I’ve played to date.”
Women Fitness gets in a candid heart-to-heart conversation with Anchal Kumar on her journey as a model, actress & secret to a happy married life.
Namita Nayyar:
You won the Gladrags supermodel contest in 1999 and have done modeling for brands such as Rexona, Sunsilk, and Bombay Dyeing. Throw some light on your journey & series of events that led to the world of fashion.
Anchal Kumar:
I entered the world of fashion because my 3 older sisters saw the ‘model material’ potential in me. My first portfolio landed me some heavy-duty campaigns at a very young age. Besides the brands you have mentioned above, I went on to launch Diet Coke with its first-ever campaign in India.
Soon after prestigious print campaigns followed for brands such as Park Avenue, Digjam, Benzer, Loreal, and Wella hair color. I enjoyed both print and ad campaigns.
Along the way I heard of the Gladrags supermodel contest, a show helmed by Mrs. Maureen Wadia who was known to discover and create stars. I won the contest and my ramp journey began overnight. Nothing compares to the joy of wearing the finest designer labels and sashaying down the ramp. Being a part of fashion weeks, fashion tours, and walking for top Indian designers was an all-time high.
Namita Nayyar:
You were a contestant of Bigg Boss 4 & got evicted after being a part of it for around 40 days. A memorable incident that you would like to share. Your overall experience of the same.
Anchal Kumar:
42 days to be precise..each day inside felt a month-long hence you must know how long my journey was!
There were many good times and some bad times, but one of the highlights was starting stage and screen time with Salman Khan. Some genuine feedback about being dignified and graceful on the show, and being complimented on my looks and style went a long way in catapulting my career to even greater heights. I am thankful to the makers of Bigg Boss, as never in my career before this show did I receive the kind of adulation that I did.
Another highlight-I remember the day the GREAT KHALI walked into the house. I was awestruck, scared, intrigued all at one time. The fact that he is so simple and gentle was the biggest revelation and we went on to become good friends.
It is a tough show which drains you physically and mentally. However, it’s a great platform to discover yourself and become a household name overnight.
Namita Nayyar:
In your acting career, you were featured in Jagjit Singh’s ‘Aaina’, Hans Raj Hans’s ‘Mukhra Tumahra’, and Surjit Bindrakhia’s ‘Dupatta Tera Satrang Da’. Later, you also appeared in cameo roles in Priyanka Chopra’s movie Fashion and Bluffmaster!. According to you 5 tips that a newcomer in acting should be equipped with?
Anchal Kumar:
I loved featuring in music videos as they had become so big in the early 2000s. I’ve featured in over 20 music videos because they felt like an extension of modeling however with a song and dance routine. Similarly, I featured in two songs in bluff master and fashion, they were not acting or cameo roles. I never wanted to be an actor, even though several offers came my way through my 20 years innings as a model.
5 tips on Modelling to aspiring models because that’s my area of expertise 🙂
- A strong portfolio is very important. Most jobs are landed basis the pictures you circulate. A versatile portfolio is a great investment.
2. The best training is while on an assignment, but your own prep also helps. Practice poses ramp walking and experiment with different looks.
3. As a model your physical appearance is prime..ensure you have a fitness regime that’s a part of your lifestyle.
4. Being punctual and respecting everyone’s time goes a long way.
5. Modelling is a profession, behind the gloss is a lot of hard work. Jump in only if you are willing to put a lot of hard work and discipline in.
Namita Nayyar:
You decided to settle down in marital bliss in 2013 with your love and were blessed with a baby girl named Alyssa. How would you define your life as a mother of a daughter? Share insight into your pre & postnatal journey.
Anchal Kumar:
I’ve taken some amazing decisions in life, getting married to Anupam was one of them. Our daughter is four years old now. Being a mum is the best role I’ve played to date. There is so much unconditional love and our bond is beyond magical. I’m very lucky, my pregnancy was very smooth. I was doing yoga till the day I delivered Alyssa.
Postpartum was a bit tricky, but a strong support system at home and friends helped ride that wave very quickly.No amount of preparation can calm hormones, but your loved ones can.
Alyssa is a wonderful kid. My pregnancy was a joyride. Watching her grow from the cutest baby to a playful toddler and now a curious little girl is such a rewarding feeling.
Namita Nayyar:
Your daily fitness routine. How do you like to kick start your day?
Anchal Kumar:
I like to work out at least 5 times a week. I love kickboxing, I’ve been practicing for the last 6 years and I attribute a lot of my fitness to kickboxing. I combine that with strength training and stretching.
Alyssa is so fresh and energetic when I wake up each morning..her energy rubs on me and our day beings in the most playful way.
Namita Nayyar:
Diet is said to be the key to optimum health & fitness. Share the diet you follow to maintain that wonderful physique. 5 Foods you must-have & foods you try to keep to a minimum. Any supplements you take.
Anchal Kumar:
Diet plays a huge role in fitness. Each body is different and no one formula suits all.
I am actually tolerant to all food so I have plenty of options but I listen to my body. I enjoy eating fresh vegetables the most. For the past few months, I’ve been portion control which has worked for me, because of which I don’t have to give up things entirely but I don’t go overboard either. I don’t believe in imposing very strict diets upon myself as they aren’t sustainable in the long run. Intermittent fasting has also worked for me.
I ensure my meals give me plenty of protein and carbs that give me energy.
I try to avoid processed food and most of my meals are home-cooked.
Namita Nayyar:
Your daily skin & hair care routine?
Anchal Kumar:
I seek help from my dermatologist since makeup was a big part of my daily work commitments.
Cleansing, toning, moisturizing, and using sunscreen are very essential. I am using anti-aging products like Vitamin C and retinol too now, following advice from my dermatologist.
I love the traditional hot oil massage once a week.
Namita Nayyar:
Message for your fans & upcoming International Women’s day (theme is ‘Break the Bias’)?
Anchal Kumar:
Love yourself unconditionally. Pressure comes our way through our life but one needs to learn to prioritize. A happy you will make the world around you happy too.
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