Sophie Choudry is an Indian singer, film actress, former VJ and now an entrepreneur. Starting out as a VJ for Zee UK, Sophie soon rose to fame after coming to India.
Our cover star for the month of May, Sophie Choudry, has so many experiences to share and stories to be told that you wouldn’t want to miss this one. Catch up on everything in her exclusive interview with Namita Nayyar, President, Women Fitness India.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Being discovered at the young age of 13 by the acclaimed music director Biddu, you have created a niche identity for yourself as an actress, singer, VJ, model, and television presenter. Share with our viewers your incredible journey of becoming a star?
Ms. Sophie Choudry:
I grew up in London loving Hindi movies and Indipop songs and ended up living my dream! It has been an incredible journey full of twists and turns. I was still studying in college when I got my first record deal with my girl band. The songs did really well but we didn’t get on so we split up. I went back to finish university and once I graduated I decided to move to India for a year to see what would happen. Within 2 years I was a hugely successful MTV VJ, my song Babu Chail Chabila was huge and it set the ball rolling. Ek pardesi was a blockbuster and David Dhawan called to launch me. I used to idolize him, Govinda and Karishma and dreamt of doing masala films like that. I didn’t even ask him what the story was. I simply said yes. The film didn’t really work but my next film was Pyar ke side effects which was a game changer. I came at a time when being multi-talented was almost looked down upon. I used to get asked to choose singing or acting or vjing. Today when artists are multi-talented it’s appreciated and lauded. I guess I was ahead of my time.
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 an express permission.
All Written Content Copyright © 2018 Women Fitness Org
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You studied at the London School of Economics, graduating in European politics and French and became a gold medalist from the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. While still in school, you learned Bharatnatyam and when you moved to India you took a few classes in Kathak too. How did acting happen in between singing and performing then? Also, introduce us to your day-routine.
Ms. Sophie Choudry:
My life is pretty normal in that I’m a family girl. I made my mum move with me and she handles all my work. And then my nani moved too. I work out with Yasmin karachiwala, do my riyaaz and spend a lot of time with my gorgeous puppy, Tia. We go for walks, drives and play together. But I also travel a lot for my live shows so that keeps me on the go! Singing and dancing for 2 hours on stage at a time is no joke. I think if you love what you do, you find the right balance and I’m not much of a party animal so it gives me more time to focus on myself!
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Being an actress and model, staying fit is called upon. Unfold 5 exercises that comprise essentially a part of your fitness regime on a daily basis?
Ms. Sophie Choudry:
I only do Pilates with Yasmin Karachiwala because I’m someone who has had 2 slipped discs in the past, one due to yoga. In fact last year I tried aerial yoga in India and ended up with stitches in my head because I fell from a height and the teacher had no mats on the floor. It was awful so I prefer to stick to what I enjoy and what I feel is safe.
I do a lot of glute work so side lying leg lifts, rotations, clamps. I enjoy doing the Pilates teaser which is great for core work as is the hundreds exercise and so is pike to plank and mountain climbing.
I need to work my triceps so I do triceps dips on different pieces of equipment. Because I have a neck problem I have to work a lot on my scapular stabilization so we do various exercises for that. And I love articulating my spine so we have exercises like tower, short spine all great for flexibility and stability.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Work out needs to be supported by healthy nutrition. What kind of diet do you follow to stay healthy and physically fit? Enlist your 5 favorite foods you would fall for any time?
Ms. Sophie Choudry:
Yes I absolutely believe that fitness is a lifestyle not a fad. It has to be part of your life for the long term. It’s ok to be more careful before an important event but I don’t believe in starving, juicing or drastic measures. That’s also why I started my own Ayurvedic detox tea, Fittox, which helps people cleanse and lose weight sensibily. It’s about eating clean, drinking the tea and feeling better inside out.
In terms of food I used to love milk but I have given up cow’s milk and only have almond or soya milk now. And I love cheese so I stick to feta, goats cheese and sheep’s milk cheese all of which are better than cow’s milk at least for me.
My favourite foods are porridge with almond milk, berries and flaxseed.
I love avocados in salads or even with some chilli and lime on toast.
I love fish especially salmon but to be honest in India I eat more chicken than fish.
At night I always drink soup without corn flour in it; pumpkin, broccoli, asparagus, carrot. I love it.
As a cheat, well I have a hugely sweet tooth so I can indulge in any dessert but fortunately I’m ok with just a few bites of it. And my mum’s pulao is my weakness. It’s the best!!
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You have glowing skin and long, flowing hair – what skin and hair care tips would you like to share with our visitors?
Ms. Sophie Choudry:
Your skin really reflects your lifestyle! Of course even when you are super healthy you get the occasional spot but by and large your skin looks great if you exercise regularly and eat healthy; no fried foods, less dairy , more vegetables really helps.
I also use great products by la prairie and I never ever sleep with my makeup on!
In terms of hair, I shampoo only twice a week and use various treatments to keep it as healthy as possible. My hair is an area I need to work harder on because we put it through so much with all the blow drying and curling etc!
I believe vitamin supplements help a lot: vitamin C, Calcium, B12, omega 369.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Share the role of exercise in detoxification & combating stress?
Ms. Sophie Choudry:
I know it’s tough for some people to drag themselves to the gym. To them I say find an activity you enjoy. Outdoor sports, running, walking, dancing, Zumba. Anything but just be consistent and you will feel a difference inside out. Your happy hormones will kick in and you will be full of energy! Just don’t exercise for 2 hours one day and then not at all for a week. It’s better to be consistent and do 20/30 mins 5 times a week than all in one go!
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
With an audience of over 1.2 Million followers on your Instagram account @sophiechoudry you’re a social media sensation and an internet leading star. How does it feel to be an inspiration to so many individuals?
Ms. Sophie Choudry:
Oh gosh you are very kind but I have a long way to go! I feel proud that I have created my own niche, my own brand and that people are interested or inspired but I wake up everyday feeling like I have to work a lot harder!
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Having acted in a number of movies like Shaadi No. 1, Hey baby, Pyaar ke side effects & Aa Dekhen Zara, share with us your experience being a part of the Indian Film Industry.
I may be known for my glamour and sex appeal but that is my work and my image. Off screen I have extremely high moral values and hence a lot of people didn’t cast me. I got blatantly rejected for not being “accommodating”. But I’m fine with it. At the end of the day, I sleep peacefully and can look at myself in the mirror with pride.
Ms. Sophie Choudry:
It’s a wonderful place to be if you are in it for the right reasons.. ie the love of films and acting .. and if you are fortunate to come across the right people.
When I first moved to Mumbai, mum and I were so naive.. we had no idea what kind of snakes were out there. That’s one of the reasons she started handling my work. I may be from London, I may be known for my glamour and sex appeal but that is my work and my image. Off screen I have extremely high moral values and hence a lot of people didn’t cast me. I got blatantly rejected for not being “accommodating”. But I’m fine with it. At the end of the day, I sleep peacefully and can look at myself in the mirror with pride. I have reached wherever I am with no godfather, no support, absolutely nothing. I guess I have my own fairy godmother.. my mum. She is my backbone. That’s it.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Your love for dance was quite visible on Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa Season 7. Share with us your passion for dancing and how are you able to squeeze in time for it?
Ms. Sophie Choudry:
It was the most challenging thing I have ever done, physically and mentally! I had said no every year but The CEO of colours at the time, Raj Nayak convinced me to do it and I’m so glad I did. It was such a high to have Madhuri ma’am, Karan Johar and Remo sir (who choreographed and danced in my first ever solo video) judge me and give me such positive feedback! I also love to salsa and bachata. I used to go regularly twice a week but don’t get time anymore!
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Your fans would love to see you soon on the big screen. Tell us about your future plans for acting and singing.
Ms. Sophie Choudry:
Definitely 2 music singles coming up in the next couple of months and big screen plans are on top! Fingers crossed!
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Cut-throat competition dominates in all areas of our life. Extend out of your experience, the role of hard work to survive in the film industry. What would be 5 essential tips for a newcomer entering Bollywood?
Ms. Sophie Choudry:
It’s so easy to get one film. What’s tough is surviving. Only hard work, dedication and constant reinvention will help you survive. Malaika, Shilpa even Neha are great examples. They all started before me and are still here. And we all chat and say very few girls today have that staying power, that desire to work hard and keep at it. That is the only way to survive. Never take your place for granted and find your own unique space!
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Women Fitness works with a goal to reach out to women all over the world providing them with best in health, fitness, nutrition, beauty & fashion. What do you wish to say about the website (Womenfitness.org) and our readers?
Ms. Sophie Choudry:
I want to congratulate you for the fabulous work you do! It’s so exciting that women are becoming so aware of health, wellness and fitness as well as beauty and fashion!! I wish you all the best in all your endeavors!!!
Follow Sophie’s journey on:
- https://www.instagram.com/sophiechoudry
- https://twitter.com/Sophie_Choudry
- https://www.facebook.com/OfficialSophieChoudry/
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 an express permission.
All Written Content Copyright © 2018 Women Fitness Org