Bhagyashree had become an overnight star with the release of her debut film, Maine Pyar Kiya. Every film critic and movie buff loved her innocence and her acting on-screen. She was touted as the next big name in Bollywood, but soon she had tied the knot with her then-beau, Himalaya Dasani.
After all these years she is back in the industry and is doing some amazing shows on television. In 2021, she made a comeback to Hindi films with amazing releases like Thalaivi and Radhe Shyam.
This Mother’s Day she gets in a candid conversation with Team Women Fitness on her journey, Films, Family, and her bond with her children.
Ms. Namita Nayyar
Bhagyashree, being born in the royal family you choose to be an actor and made your debut with one of the most critically acclaimed movies “Maine Pyar Kiya” along with Salman Khan, also won the Filmfare for best debut, tell us how did your journey begin? And were there any struggles you faced when you choose to be an actor?
Ms. Bhagyashree
When I was barely out of school, I had done one TV show for Amol Uncle (Amol Palekar) called “Kachhi Dhoop”, just for a lark. I actually wanted to go abroad to complete my education. However, I guess destiny had something else lined up.
Soorajji’s father, Rajkumaer Barjatya had seen this and when he saw me at a friend’s wedding, he was keen that I play the role of Suman in his son’s first film. Since he and my dad knew each other, he spoke to my father and asked his permission. I, however, didn’t want to …so when Soorajji came to narrate the film story, though I had liked the concept, I came up with different excuses each time to refuse it. He would sincerely listen to what I had to say, go back, and come up with a changed version. However, on the 7th time round, I couldn’t bring myself to refuse and the rest is history.
FULL INTERVIEW ON NEXT PAGE!
This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar, President womenfitness.org, and should not be reproduced, copied, or hosted in part or full anywhere without express permission.
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Ms. Namita Nayyar
After being away for many years you made your comeback with Television, and now back to movies too, how do you feel the industry has changed over time?
Ms. Bhagyashree
The industry has definitely changed and I am glad it has. It stems from the fact that OTT has exposed the viewers to such diverse content and also world cinema that we have to cater to that need. Also
, the evolving society has given rise to newer thoughts, and newer ideas to make stories that connect to that audience. Earlier on there was a more family atmosphere, whereas a crew of a film bonded much more as opposed to the corporate structure now. However, it has given rise to the professionalism that was missing ..to focus on excelling in each department….there is more specialization and detailing. Today, the attitude on the set is very work focused and there are so many more women, which is a pleasant sight for me indeed.Ms. Namita Nayyar
Women Fitness India talks about celebrity diets and fitness regimes? Do you follow any special diet? Your thoughts on the size zero concept?
Ms. Bhagyashree
Diet and fitness regimes I believe are very individual, I believe therefore in functional training and eating in moderation but a complete meal.
No two people are the same and neither are their individual needs. To follow a certain diet or fitness routine lots of parameters have to be considered, factors like age, lifestyle/everyday routine, place of residence, climate, accessibility, family structure, help, and genetics also have to be considered.
Simply looking at a celebrity and following their diet may not work out correctly as their needs may change from film to film from role to role.. and what they might be having or doing in terms of exercise at that time may be pertaining to that needs. I do not abstain from carbs as it is much needed not only for energy but also for the proper absorption of many vitamins and protein in your body, Fats are required to maintain good brain health. Vit A,D,E and K are fat-soluble vitamins that your body needs every day.
In fact, certain minerals which are essential for the body’s everyday metabolic activities sometimes get depleted by following fad diets. Diets such as keto diets should be followed only for a short period of time and only under supervision. People do not realize this and end up causing distress to their kidneys. Even fad workouts like spinning have led to many people suffering from knee ailments, not realizing that correct cycling requires movement from the hip joint and not the knee joint. Overuse of the knee during spinning/cycling for cardio without proper trainers has caused many issues. I consider the concept of size zero for beauty very ridiculous.
A healthy body is not defined by weight or inches but by the optimum level of performance by all the organs of our body. We all are born with a certain genetic structure… it could be heavy bones, broader structure, petite frames, and maybe even certain hormonal defects. We need to be aware of all this and then learn to manage our health. A slim woman need not necessarily be healthy and a plump person might be in the best condition. I believe that beauty is in the eye of the beholder and for health, it should be from your eyes towards your internal body.
Ms. Namita Nayyar
What consists of your fitness regime? Your go-to workout when traveling or shooting outdoors?
Ms.Bhagyashree
When I had my cesarean delivery I was very young and everyone told me that there was no way that I could go back to my pre-pregnancy shape, size, and weight…. so I let go. It was an upward journey for me by the time I realized that by understanding your body and its needs, one can actually groom your body to health. So, to all the young mothers out there… I know it may be difficult and even exhausting in the beginning but train your body slowly but steadily.
Persistence and perseverance are the keys. It is not a magic wand, it takes time but with the consistent effort you put in, your body will show the results. The earlier your body is trained to follow a certain routine the better it will be for you in the long term. A healthy mother will make a happy child. Keep yourself in good health so that you can enjoy the growing years of your child, play with him, and be an enthusiastic parent rather than someone who is constantly irritable or tired. I have been a very physically active parent with both my children.
Playing with them outdoors was a constant. Fortunately, during their growing years, sports was their biggest pastime. there wasn’t an influx of television or video games and mobiles. So, right from skating, to karate, badminton to swimming and all the compound games like hopscotch, kho-kho, lagori, hide n seek… we have done it all. My mindset was that, if the child has to imbibe a value system of everyday living it can’t be done by constant teaching or reprimanding a child…it has to be something they see every day, something that they see their parents doing. I am glad when strangers walk up to me and say how well-behaved and well brought up my children are.
Ms. Namita Nayyar
Besides physical fitness, mental health is also important, how do you keep up with your mental wellness
Ms. Bhagyashree
The kind of life we all lead right now is so fast-moving that it doesn’t allow us to rest, reflect, or plan. We are constantly moving from one role to another, striving for perfection, trying to manage different spheres of our lives with the precision of a skywalker.
Well…. it’s exhausting !! I like to take one hour off from everything when I work out. I meditate, and concentrate on my breath inflow and outflow, allowing the energy to be dispersed to all the cells of my body. It is a time for rejuvenation, of my well-being for me. I have realized that by giving myself this one hour I am more in control of my reactions to things around me, more able to focus and make thoughtful decisions, and armed with a shield to deflect negativity. Fortunately for me, spending time with my children is a great source of my happiness too.
Ms. Namita Nayyar
One piece of advice you gave to your son and daughter when they told you they want to be actors?
Ms.Bhagyashree
This is a line of work that requires patience and perseverance as much as it requires dedication and discipline. It is a line that is so public that you have to be prepared to face brickbats as much as you can to enjoy the laurels of success, the consequences are there for everyone to see and comment on…. so steel your heart, prepare your mind and Go for your goal. If you give your craft your 100% it will speak for itself….. and that is what happened for both of them. And lastly…..enjoy your journey & never forget people that have had a kind word for you.
Ms. Namita Nayyar
Message for Women Fitness Readers, on prioritizing women’s fitness and health after the ’40s?
Ms. Bhagyashree
In your 40s, the results of wear and tear manifest, the aging of your body speeds up, metabolism slows down and hormonal imbalances rise. However, this entire process can be slowed down, delayed, and even halted to a certain extent if we look after our bodies. Though this is the time that most people start facing the consequences of wrongful indulgences, it is never too late to start on betterment. Our body can heal itself.
Eating in moderation, exercising regularly, and giving enough rest to your body to recuperate are important factors to good health. This is the time that certain lifestyle changes can enhance your quality of life and prevent the onset of diabetes, hypertension, osteoporosis, etc. Including a variety of greens and fruits in your everyday diet, decreasing sugar intake, and making exercise including weight training a part of your routine will make you a happier healthier person.
Know More About Bhagyashree
This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar, President of womenfitness.org, and should not be reproduced, copied, or hosted in part or full anywhere without express permission.