"I am a fitness freak and an ardent Yoga practitioner" – Vandana Gupta

Vandana Gupta is a lovely lady with a cheerful and charming voice. I could feel the positive energy that oozes out from the person through her voice. A rendezvous with the ad belle would definitely be a delight.
I was way too excited and nervous to interview a celebrity. But she being a warm and friendly person, made me feel comfortable in no time. I was fumbling and stumbling so much, I was spell bound by her down-to-earth attitude. She not only answered my queries with enthusiasm, but helped me frame my questions! 🙂

If you remember, we have seen Vandana Gupta in the hilarious Hyderabad Nawabs (Hindi) and south films like Thavam (Tamil), Hrudayadali Idenidu (Kannada), Ajantha (a Tamil/Telugu bilingual love story), and a 90 min Telefilm Teri Meri Love Stories on Star Plus.
Vandana is now all geared up for her upcoming Telugu horror flick, Tulasidalam, from the talented director R. P. Patnaik. The film has been shot almost entirely in the US (Vegas) and is expected to hit theaters soon.

Vandana was born in India’s City of Love, Agra. She did her schooling from Baptist and graduation in Commerce from St. John’s College. In college she won the Miss Agra beauty pageant contest and was crowned Nazneen-e-Taj! Her beauty and attractive personality got her several fashion and commercial modelling assignments – close to 100 commercials. Name a product and there she is, featuring in its ad! Some of the major brands include Airtel, Ayur Herbals Shampoo, Benadryl, Belmonte, Big Bazaar, Cinthol Deo Musk, California Almonds India, Clinic Plus, Colgate Plax, Dish TV, Donear Suitings & Shirtings, Dynamic Builders, Fair & Lovely, Future Generali General Insurance, Garnier, Tata Docomo, Tata Indicom, Tata AIG Life, Tropicana Twister, Kashmir Banaspati, Samsung AC, Spinz Deo, MVL Mobiles, Queens Emporium, Moserbaer, Tuborg, V-Guard, Pantene Shampoo, Mrs. Marino Hair Softner, Nathella Jewellery, Joyalukkas, Hyundai Santro Xing, Haier Refrigerator, Surf Excel, Ujala Stiff n Shine, Oberois Hotels, MTV, Real Choice, Bajaj Appliances. The list wouldn’t end soon! Phew!

Excerpts from my chat with Vandana Gupta below:
What is the secret behind your youthful personality?
I am a fitness freak and an ardent Yoga practitioner. In fact, I am pursuing a degree in Yoga from Yoga Atlantic to become a professional Yoga guru.
What is the mantra of your life?
I am very positive about life. I am very strong mentally and physically and can handle any type of situation myself.
Can I dare to ask your age?
You should never ask that to a girl. And of course I am not answering that even if you ask 😛
My birthday falls on 12^th September.
What are your hobbies?
As I said, I am very passionate about fitness, yoga practice and other forms of exercises are something I do passionately. Also, I love cooking.
So what is your favourite food?
Simple homemade food is my all-time favourite (maa ke hath ka khana). 🙂
What do like to wear off the sets?
Whatever I feel comfortable in. I love wearing sarees.

Tell us about your journey into the Glam World.
I was a bright student in school. I wanted to become a Chartered Accountant. I had never aimed to become a model or an actor. But as fate would have it, I started walking the ramp when I was in my 12th. I had all that makes a successful model. I had photo shoots, and started getting advertisement assignments when I was in Delhi. And that is how my journey began. Benadryl commercial was my first TV ad followed by Tropicana Twister.
And as usual, Mumbai, the “Maayanagri” was waiting for me. I moved here to pursue acting.
Would you like to share your experience with us?
I am very happy with my career and have enjoyed every bit of my journey. I say “Yes” to everything and accept every challenge that comes my way. I always give my best in whatever I do. And I am happy to have fans like you!
Tell us who your role models are…
I am a strong admirer of Vaijayanti mala ji, Rekha ji and Madhuri ji. I’ve grown up watching and idolizing Madhuri ji. She is my inspiration.
Something about your family?
I’m blessed to have a family like mine. My parents never behaved like typical parents with do’s and don’ts list. They are my closest friends. My mom is my strength. Whatever I have achieved in my life, I owe it to her. My sister is my soul mate [diva Archana Gupta] and my brother is the oxygen of my life. I cannot imagine my life without them. I can keep talking about them forever, says a smiling Vandana.
Would you like to give any message to your fans?
Just love me as you do and I’m always there for you. Your love always pushes me to soar higher. Continue showering your love and wishes on me, I have a long way to go. Thank you all, so much!

 
A showreel of some beautiful ad films featuring Vandana:
Fair & Lovely (divas: Kadambari Ravi, Vandana Gupta & Lavanya Tripathi in that order):
[youtube=www.youtube.com/watch?v=uacBFvEKkjc]
 
In Spinz Deo ad:
[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyJoG2Cdwgg]
 
Steaming away negativity in V Guard Water Heater – Refresh kare zindagi:
[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Pr02rUZ42Q]
 
Nathella Jewellery, Chennai (with Anushka Sharma):
[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgUfjCiLjFU]
 
As an actress in Tata Docomo:
[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dm-N7IkwlSU]
 
How to create a brand image in 15 sec? Show Vandana in the ad! 😉 Tuborg Zero:
[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IR6QD9GjfCk]
 
Being herself (valiant) in Future Generali India Insurance:
[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYe37_XsPaI]
 
With Vivek Oberoi in DONEAR Suitings & Shirtings:
[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VozDdo82Ywo]
 
As an independent wife in Ayur Shampoo ad:
[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HK0KUb1xCZg]
 
Remember this fruitful Tropicana Twister TVC? (Vandana with Archana and Kadambari Ravi):
[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9861sSl7vtE]
 
Finally, Uzer Khan‘s Director’s Cut:  Clinic Plus – jhalkey khushiyaan ad (wondrous divas flaunting their hair; Miss Vandana in White):
[vimeo 44153456 w=600&h=390]
 
All the best for your Tulasidalam, Vandana! Wish to see you in Bollywood soon… 🙂
Thanks to Ritu for helping me with this post!