When Bollywood actress Mandira Bedi was trying to manoeuvre a mammoth truck over a narrow curve on India’s treacherous roads for her reality show, IRT: India’s Deadliest Roads, she wondered if she was insane for signing up for it.
“Every time I got behind the wheels, I prayed hard because I was petrified. I took on this show because my son is five years old and he loves trucks. But on [the] one hand, I am doing it for my son and on the other, I realised I have to stay alive for him and not fall off the cliff,” said Bedi about her recent stint on India’s answer to Ice Road Truckers, which premiered on History channel in India on October 21. But Bedi lived and survived to tell the adventurous tales.
The stylish anchor of the 2003 IPL games, Bedi, who asked layman questions during the matches, won legions of fans. Since then, there has been no looking back for the actress, who acted in hit serials such as Shanti and 24.
tabloid! caught up with the designer, model and actress, who was in Dubai to host a beauty and talent competition called Indian Princess this weekend. She spoke about subjects ranging from fashion to fitness ...
“I wish the winners of beauty queens do good with their title”
Sometimes contestants give answers that they don’t believe in or design their answers as a way to win a title. But after winning, they forget about the cause that they claimed they believed in during the contest. Some even look at beauty contests as a stepping stone to the film industry. That isn’t always fair.
“Skinny doesn’t mean beautiful”
Shopping can be the best form of cardio and there’s no excuse for not putting aside 45 minutes of your life for your health. I don’t try to keep fit for cosmetic reasons. Staying fit and strong is a part of being healthy. Today, after a breakfast of waffles and other goodies, I did squats and lunges in my room. There’s no excuse for not working out. Also remember, walking around the mall burns a lot of calories.
“I always approve magazine covers before it goes to print because I insist on looking like myself”
It’s sad to see celebrities look different on magazine covers due to heavy photo-shopping. I want to look like myself and I am proud of my lines that crease my face. Those lines just add to my personality and character. And as a rule, I don’t do commercials for fairness creams. Fair doesn’t equal lovely or beautiful. As Indians, we are all blessed with different colours and I would never try to change it.
“I believe in seizing the moment”
I never use social media to spread negativity. I always believe that today is the day that new and exciting things can happen in a person’s life. You can will things to happen. And remember, haters will hate. There was a time when I was trolled for any selfie that I put up. But I learnt to ignore it.
“Don’t be a fashion victim”
I never follow trends and I go by instincts. Wear clothes that suit you and bring out the best version of you.
