Actor. Model. Fitness guru. Mom. Mandira Bedi, 48, has worn many splendid hats with aplomb. She and her husband fulfilled a dream after a adopting a four-year-old girl named Tara. They also have a son, Vir. In an interview with Lachmi Deb Roy, Bedi talks about life and acting. Excerpts…
On DDLJ’s 25 years
It has been 25 years since Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge hit the screens, but I don’t feel old at all. It’s nice to be reminded that I have had a decently long run in the industry. When I look back at DDLJ I feel that it was almost like a lifetime ago. When I did the film, I remember, I felt the part was too small. It was like a blink-and-miss kind of a role. After the premier, I never saw it again. But when I look back now, even if it was a small role, it was nice to be part of a film that created cinema history.
On her book Happy For No Reason
I have written this book because, for many years, I was angry for no reason. I really felt that I needed to work on myself and change; I tried many courses on spiritualism to get down that path of happiness. Happiness need not be dependent on circumstances, people or events. Happiness is something that you need to create from within. My happiness comes from gratitude. I read somewhere that you cannot be grateful and unhappy at the same time. So, when I started practicing gratitude and being truly grateful, I found that I was a happier person. So even in tough times, do look at the things that you have and things that are going right for you.
On web shows and short films
Web shows and short films have become popular because of the digital platform. I think younger people enjoy short films. Older people don’t know the concept of short films too well. They watch serials and series. My nine-year-old son watches animated short films too. I love short films because of their originality. These are unique stories that cannot be told in any other format. So, if you are telling a story in four minutes to 15 minutes, it has to be something special and it has to have a twist at the end. It got to have something that gives you food for thought and that is the reason I enjoy short films so much. Another thing that I thoroughly enjoy is web series and the pandemic has given wings to OTT platforms. And digital platforms are the present and the future of India.
On being a fit mother
I have always been working out at home regardless of the lockdown. Before the lockdown, when I didn’t have the time to make it to the gym, I would work out wherever I could and whenever I could ,with whatever I had at my disposal. My home workout routines continue. I have a cross-trainer at home and I also have a trampoline which I gifted my son for his birthday. I use it more than he does. I have a couple of weights too, so I work out with them as well.
Even though gyms have opened, I haven’t started going to a gym again. The good thing is now one can still get out and go for a run or brisk walk. So, the options are many, but the thing is you need to try and get creative.
