I want to become a ‘Sexy-year-old’ grandmother: Bipasha Basu

Bollywood diva Bipasha Basu, who recently launched her fitness DVD, has been busy with several tasks related to health, fashion, fitness and films. But all that has not boggled her mind, as she knows the knack of multi-tasking. In an exclusive interview with Swati Chaturvedi of Spicezee.com on her chat show Kahiye Janab’, the Bong Beauty spoke at length about her new found love, ‘size zero’, restaurant plans, Botox and of course, beau John Abraham! Swati: How much of an inspiration is John Abraham in your fit and healthy life? Bipasha: John has been in my life for quite some time now and definitely he is a wonderful person. You cannot ask for a better…fitter partner (laughs). And yes, John has been a real source of inspiration for me in many ways, but I believe that if as a person you don’t value your health then no one else can tell you the benefits of good health. Not that being fat or rather I’ll put it as ‘pleasantly plump girl’ gave any inhibitions to me, but more than that I was concerned about the fact that I regularly fell ill and this was affecting my work. On top of that, one fine day, I read in a newspaper – ‘Bipasha growing fat’. It was then that I decided I am going to do something about it. I am the kind of person who wants to live long, wants to age in a very healthy manner and yeah, I want to be a ‘sexy-year-old grandmother’! Swati: Did John show any concern about the fact that you were becoming fat and did you try discussing it with him? Bipasha: We share a kind of relationship which is based on the foundation of love. I did not ask him about this and he never even hinted. These things hardly matter when two people share such a beautiful bond. What matters more is the happiness and joy in your life. You feel more content in seeing your partner smiling always. John gets worried and looks concerned when I am sad.Swati: In the glamour world, you two stand out as a couple. How does it feel to be the partner of a man with the best body in the industry? Bipasha: I have always been confident of who and what I am. I have never said that I am beautiful or have boasted about myself. Whatever I have achieved is because of my hard work and perseverance. One of the most handsome and smartest men in the industry, John got attracted to me and I really think that he is lucky to have me in life! Swati: Your take on the ‘size zero’ brouhaha? Bipasha: I think ‘size zero’ is a new term, which is being given undue attention by the media. People hardly understand what it is. ‘Size zero’ is a dress size, meant for girls and women who are thin and really petite. To believe in the notion that to remain fit, you have to be really thin is an utter crap. It’s common sense - people have different bone structure. It’s real stupid to make such hue and cry over it. Any educated person will understand what it is all about and for others, effort should be made to educate them on the ill-effects of ‘size zero’. Swati: But many other actresses have made it their calling card? Bipasha: Well, I don’t see anything wrong if someone uses it as her calling card. It depends on the media as to how they want it to be shown – negatively or positively. I understand that young girls are vulnerable to this trend but again, I would like to emphasize that people need to be educated about ‘size zero’. To remain fit you have to be healthy and for that you need to exercise. Only then, one can experience the state of happiness and bliss. Swati: After the release of your DVD, you sound more like a guru. Please share your philosophy of life? Bipasha: (Laughs) Please, don’t call me a guru. I’m a simple person, just trying to live life the healthy way. And yeah, my philosophy in life is to love myself! You can make others happy only by making yourself happy. Also, I believe that you are happy if you help and do good to others. Swati: It has become a trend in the Hindi film industry that after a certain period of time, Bollywood actresses tend to move away from acting. For example, Priety Zinta and Shilpa Shetty. Is it due to shortage of roles? Bipasha: Well, I don’t really believe that. As you go along a way, you tend to diversify - you start adjusting your plans to accommodate more time to play, to pursue your passions and to do what you feel is the best at that period of time. At least, that’s what I believe. About other actresses, I have no right to comment. They are too senior to me but I am sure they have the same views.Work is never less. There is no dearth of roles in the industry. It’s all about the choice you make at certain a point of time. In the last five years, I have done three films a year, and I am good in that. I am not in a race. It’s just that when you spend a considerable time somewhere, you evolve as a person and today I think it’s time to multi-task and I am ready for it. Swati: So, will your restaurant plan be a reality in future? Bipasha: Hmmm…I have had this idea for quite a while. Of late, I have become really health conscious. I have been handling my profession with ease and now I want to pursue my passion. It’s an act of balancing things. My delving into such pursuits is definitely not because I am not happy or content with other things happening in my life. I just want to explore my happiness, and yes opening a restaurant is definitely one of them. Swati: Your message to youngsters who go to extremes and do not refrain from using Botox for good looks? Bipasha: Well, this is a serious issue which needs to be handled with care. Youngsters today go through a lot of stress and peer pressure, and this is because there is very little being done to create awareness and educate them about what is what! It’s not that Botox does any harm provided it should be used according to the need. It’s about personal choice, which depends from person to person. There has to be a definite purpose for using such cosmetics. Swati: You did not give your opinion on a recent controversy? Is it because of rivalry? Bipasha: Oh, I know where it’s going! In the Shah Rukh-Shiv Sena controversy, almost everyone in Bollywood mouthed their views and were there in his full support. As far as rivalry is considered, even media is not devoid of it? It is everywhere. But, it’s just that, looking at the present scenario - where anything you say can be misconstrued - it becomes a little difficult to express your views and at times it is just best to keep mum. Adapted by: Bikas Bhagat