Aashiqui fame Anu Aggarwal tells us how fame affected her mental health

You have been away from showbiz for almost 25 years after immense fame and success. How does it feel?

It transformed me. Frankly, I don’t feel the gap and yet, I feel in a sense it is a new time, a new age, a new start. Stardom took its toll on my mental health. So, I went into seclusion. Dhrupad music singing came as a balm to my mind. Then, I joined a yoga university. It was remarkable. There was hardly any time to miss the showbiz. And the option to return was always there.

When you left, there was no social media and now everything is out there. What do you feel about that?

I love it! I wish it was there in my time. I would have had a billion followers on it by now. Social media with all its difficulties gives you a voice. Which was not available in the 90s.

After coming back to the city, your picture went viral and people instantly recognised you and started to shower love on social media. How does that make you feel?

Well, I didn’t expect it. The gap was too wide. I had been through a transformation which people didn’t know about. I am grateful that my Aashiqui girl status was maintained but then I am so much more than that today.

To the readers who don’t know much about your journey before Ashiqui, can you fill us in a little. And also after you left the industry?

Before Aashiqui, I was a model travelling internationally. According to the media, I was the first supermodel of India. My self-image was that of a simple social worker. I tried to bring justice to people. Human rights is what I have always been interested in. Luckily that is exactly what I am doing now with my foundation AAF.

What, according to you, is the mantra of success?

Don’t overestimate yourself and do not underestimate yourself either. You can achieve beyond what you think you can. Get on with it.

If you weren’t an actor or a model, what would you be?

Easy question. What I am doing now. Loving and caring for people.

How important is developing a personal style when it comes to acting?

Personal style is everything. Believe in yourself.

Any exciting new projects?

Interestingly, I am here to act now. I was away for long. I want to bring the best in people. I am in no hurry.

Having explored different genres which, one did you enjoy the most?

I enjoyed each, though Aashiqui for its newness was brilliant.

Do you consider acting as a secure profession?

Any art is challenging but as an artiste you somehow find security in your profession.

What more do you want from your life?

I am content with what life has given me, way more than what I expected. Grateful.

When not shooting, what do you do?

Write, paint, sing, cook, workout, yoga, chill, yoga, meditate, talk to you.

What is the philosophy you live by?

Love and live. Do good, be good, achieve, evolve and

transcend.