Pooja Bedi, actress and motivational speaker launched NGO Habitat for Humanity India’s Build Yourself, Build India initiative with a powerful session on driving personal transformation and self-development. Build Yourself, Build India is a series of workshop organised by Habitat for Humanity India to help corporate professionals and HR leaders energise themselves by focusing on their body, mind and soul amidst a stressful environment. 

In an exclusive interview with Guru Vijay Shanker the dynamic Pooja Bedi talks about her varied experiences in life and her involvement with the NGO - Habitat For India's Humanity.

What is the responsibility of an artist towards society?

As artists we have a very empowered place that shapes the minds, habits and attitudes of those who follow us and respect our work and are inspired by our lives. With this power comes ability and responsibility to encourage people to awareness and how easy and important it is to help others. Whether time, energy, popularity  or money each of us needs to take responsibility for making this world a better place for others.

Tell us about your NGO Habitat for India's Humanity, how does one build the personality and your intentions?

Habitat is highly respected organisation that builds an empowered tomorrow.  I initially partnered with them to build homes for the flood affected in Mahad .. and volunteered at their other builds in Lonavala and Thailand as well. They not only provide affordable housing but also some amazing projects like the water wheel drive which saves a lot of women immense time and distress while carrying water for miles to bring back home. They have fantastic teams.. is led by ex us president Jimmy Carter and has garnered support form the biggest celebrities because of their outstanding reputation and role in service to humanity

You are also a motivational speaker, how do you attract youngsters to your workshops and how can you bring about a change in the society?

I studied alternative sciences, and created a series of very powerful courses amalgamating newtonian vs  quantum sciences. I help people understand how their energetic body operates in tandem with their thoughts and emotions and creates their reality. It's hugely liberating for people to let go of patterns that do not serve them and to evolve in better version of themselves. Self love and self care isn't selfish. You can only spread goodness and happiness if there's goodness & happiness within to share.

Your most memorable experience in life?

My most memorable experience by far would be giving birth and becoming a mom. It's life changing. Life is never the same again. It's nothing short of a miracle to produce an entire human being and to love and nurture them every single day

Which movie or TV serial do you rate your most favourite and why?

Movie would be jo jeeta wohi sikandar as that was a game changer for me and the song Perla Nasha has kept my flying red dress immortalized. As for TV.. its got to be F.R.I.E.N.D.S. never fails to put a smile on everyone's face.

What are the advantages or disadvantages of being the daughter of famous parents?

The advantages of famous parents is that you well prepared for media, no privacy, you get to bask in their flory and enjoy the fruits of their hard work and benefit greatly from the  respect and love they enjoy..... also... it helps to learn from a young age that with position comes responsibility. The disadvantages are very few in comparison. And include the word nepotism thrown at you routinely,.. and also a subconscious  pressure to live up to their success.

How would you describe your personality and are you happy in life?

I've always been a passionate, loyal, curious, happy soul who nurtures her inner child. The journey of life os a short and simple one.. its we who complicated it.  In my workshops I teach how Happiness is a state of mind we can all harness..... and yes..  im a happy soul having a very interesting human experience

How did you spend the lockdown period?

Lockdown has been hugely productive for me. I signed my 50 health and wellness  store franchise deal during this  period and also got a 1 cr funding for my b2b2c health and wellness ecommerce  venture  life is shaped  by how you react to realities ... u van choose to be a victim or a victor

Your future plans or aspirations?

My future plans are to make Happy  Soul a global wellness umbrella across all verticals. Retail.product lime multi vendor b2b2c E-commerce, wellness centres, cafes , wellness awards  wellness festivals and so much more....

Guru Vijay Shanker is a professional Kuchipudi, Kathakali, Bharata natyam exponent, dance teacher, choreographer, actor and eminent arts critic for over four decades based in Mumbai. He can be contacted on email: vijaydance@gmail.com