Personal with Mahima Chaudhary

Courtesy: IndiaFM
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
She kicked off her acting career with a magical appearance in movie Pardes. Her bubbly presence and beautiful smile won many hearts. The girl from Darjeeling talks about her childhood, lifestyle and more in a conversation with IndiaFM.

Bright beginnings... I was born and brought up in Darjeeling, West Bengal. Schooling and college happened in Boarding. I was good in studies. Since I was in a boarding school, I didn't get time for anything else other than my studies. Normally in an hour we managed to revise our studies.

A good sport... I was very good in athletics, table tennis and hockey. I was my school's game captain in tenth standard. I was the shortest captain but used to run fast. I also took part in Marathon in Darjeeling and did well in that. I got that spirit from my father. He had a great love for sports

College days... I started getting modeling assignments during my college days. As a result, I couldn't attend my classes. My teachers were quite upest as I was a good student and they thought that I am neglecting studies. They used to tell my parents, "Glamour doesn't last forever. We are expecting her to top the university, don't take her away". Though I was unable to attend lectures, I never bunked college to hang out with friends.

Acting 'just happened'... I never thought that I will be a part of Bollywood. But I used to enjoy this medium. Neither had I visualized myself on the silver screen nor did I have any wish to join it. This may be because I was from a small hill station Darjeeling. I always thought practically. I loved to watch movies. But when I did a commercial people started complementing me and advised me to join movies.

Papa se nahi kehna My mom was always supportive and understanding, but my dad was not. He was against modeling and the glamour world and not encouraging at all. I used to share everything with my mom. But when it comes to my dad, we used to keep him in the dark.

And then Pardes happened... They wanted a new fresh face. I went for the auditions and was selected. But I had never thought of acting as a career option. After signing the film, I spoke to my mother first then informed my dad. Eventually, he was okay with me acting.

On Fashion.. Fashion keeps on changing and is not constant. It is quite similar to life. For me anything that is appealing is fashion. It may be the way you talk or the way you set your hair. One should be little fashion conscious.

Style is independent... Style is independent. Those who have a distinct style can be said to have ada whereas some people have a common style like others. Fashion is not always comfortable but style is something you are comfortable in. Style is an extension of you.

My Favorite Designer Kimaya is my Favorite designer. Actually there are several designers, can't take any specific names. I wear bright colors in summer and dark colors in winter. I like Cargos and T shirts. I never go for brands. I pick from everywhere I go.

Only Veg. I am a vegetarian. I love eating, especially Chinese and Italian food, which is my favorite. I stick to vegetarian food only.

Lord Ganesha and I have a similarity I believe in Lord Ganesha. Since childhood I remember my mother used to tell me stories about Ganesha. I have lots of key chains of Lord Ganesha. Here, the Mumbai celebrations of the Ganesh festival are similar to Durga Puja in Bengal. The only similarity I share with Lord Ganesha is that I eat like him.

Treat your body Indulge in those activities where you can relax your body. Meditation is important to relax your mind and body as well. Any formal exercise and healthy food is important for good health

What I can't leave home without... My Mobile phone and Bag! And a book always accompanies me.