Lara Dutta
Keeping yourself healthy and fit is a way of life.
I have grown up in a house around all foodies.
As a woman, it is so tough to grow your business. People are ready to hear all your creative inputs, but the minute you start talking about numbers and statistics, they look over your shoulder to see whether you have a man backing you up or not.
You need to cultivate love for books, it doesn't come to everyone naturally.
I encourage a lot of young women to read. I tell them that it will change their lives.
I don't feel like I want to be limited to any one thing.
I never said, I am just a beauty queen or just an actress.
I would say all power to women entrepreneurs out there.
We have some of the smartest businessmen in India, who have created huge wealth.
It is great to see Bollywood celebrities contributing to so many different trends in so many different ways. I think this is one of the reasons that people associate with Bollywood glamour.
My profession requires me to follow a dedicated and intense exercise regime.
I am disciplined and tend to stick to my workout regime and eating habit and adhere to them strictly.
I make it a point to drink at least 6-8 glasses of water daily.
It is about priorities in life and for me, ever since I have been a mom, my family and kid have been my first priority.
I am a lot happier, focusing on the production side of things than wanting to be in front of the camera. If I am going to dance to someone else's tune, it might as well be my own.
I can't constantly live in the past, thinking that 'Oh my God, I was Miss Universe.'
It is very important to just be real and have a good check on reality in life.
For years, ever since I was a model, I would be asked about what I did for my skin. So extending my own brand to include skincare seems almost organic to my progression.
I remember I was a dark horse at Miss Universe. No one saw Miss India coming from a mile and suddenly there she was!
Motherhood is quite challenging. Everyday is a whole new adventure with your child.
If there is a possibility within a film to have a song in the music score that adds a little bit of zing to the music album, then why not utilise it?
I don't miss being single at all.
A good workout makes me feel relaxed.
Being in the profession of acting, I definitely have to be a people's person and socialise when it's an absolute necessity.
I am a model and actress and I have to maintain myself. In today's world, it's very important to take care of your health.
I think the Hindi film heroine is stereotypical. It is nice to have an opportunity to have that freedom to not to do that anymore.
I came from modelling industry so I am part of fashion industry. It is not that I hated being part of glamorous film.
I like dressing up.
I don't believe that if you love somebody you have to possess him, live with him or marry him.
In any relationship, only if both partners bring in emotional, financial commitment and honesty in equal measure, can there be harmony.
The idea of men earning and women waiting at home for them, is over.
Motherhood takes vanity completely out of the picture. Comfort is the key. When you are coming out of a plane after a 9-hour flight with drool all over your clothes, the last thing you are worried about is being photographed. You just want to take your kid home.
I like Shah Rukh for his wit, intelligence, grit and determination, and Akshay for the way he interacts with people.
I did 'Singh Is Bliing' because Akshay asked me to join. We had a blast while making.
Me and Akshay share a great timing and bond in real life and that comes alive on screen. Our scenes in 'Singh Is Bliing' are something which audience will enjoy a lot.
Filmmakers have role for everyone today. There are no stereotypical roles.
As a producer, I wanted to make medium-budget films, and I did.
It's good to see so many actresses getting into production. It's a smart move.
I think I am a savvy businesswoman.
It's important to keep reinventing yourself, and I want to challenge myself at every age.
I am a family person and relationships hold a lot of importance in my life.
I personally believe that when you attempt something with your loved one, you are bound to succeed.
While I love dancing and I am trained in certain forms, I can tell you that I dance better with my daughter because we dance like there is no one watching us.
I don't have any particular person who I look up to for fashion ideas. I just admire some women for the way they dress, such as Cate Blanchett and Audrey Hepburn.
New York, Dubai and London are places where I love to shop.
I love Indian wear and I think no one can beat the masterpieces our Indian designers and craftsmen create.
Skincare is integral to women's daily routine. They shouldn't have to compromise on what they use or the difference they see just because of the price.
As I got older, the requirements of my skin changed. I had access to premium-quality products and these were great brands with amazing research behind them, but they took care of some needs, not all.
I am selective about what I give my time to.