Neelam Kothari reveals her longing for the limelight after stepping back from the industry, a sentiment that has only grown since her return in the hit series “Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives.” Now, as she promotes the upcoming third season while balancing her roles as an actor, wife, mother, and entrepreneur, her life is a whirlwind. Alongside fellow vibrant personalities Maheep Kapoor, Bhavna Pandey, and Seema Khan, Neelam exemplifies the fun-loving woman who expertly juggles career, family, and friendships. In this exclusive chat with Lipika Varma, she shares insights into her work, personal life, and fitness journey.

Neelam Kothari on Fame

Excerpts-

On Acting and Career

What were your emotions like when you left the film industry, and how did it feel to return to the spotlight with this show?

I had a lot of mixed emotions when I left films. I missed the limelight tremendously, and I missed the adulation. Now, making a comeback with this show, I was excited and nervous, facing the cameras again. It was a mixed bag of emotions.

What makes the third season of “Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives” unique, and what can audiences expect?

The show is slightly different, with a lot of masala and dhamaka. I am sure the audience is going to love it. It’s like a non-fiction feature film with a lot of reality. So, everything you see is real; the fight, the drama, and the fears are confirmed. This third season is an honour with a bit of a twist.

How does your husband support you in balancing your career and family life?

Sameer is a very understanding and chilled-out person. He encourages and supports me in whatever I do, making it easy to proceed smoothly with my profession. He never grumbles when I’m travelling; he takes care of everything on the home front.

How do you navigate the challenges of being an actor, entrepreneur, and wife while managing mom guilt?

Mom guilt is a constant companion. All mothers face it; we adapt and find ways to manage. As women, we’re experts at multitasking. Before I head out, I ensure everything is in place with my house help, and once I return, my focus shifts to my daughter. Thankfully, Sameer is incredibly supportive and pitches in with household tasks, making it easier for us both.

On fitness-

How has your approach to fitness evolved over the years, and what changes have you made to your routine at this stage in your life?

Earlier, when I was young and was doing films, I didn’t know what diet and fitness were, simply because I was so young. And while you’re young, we look at life a certain way, no matter what you want to eat. But I have realized now that I am conscious as I look at it in a certain way. I exercise twice or thrice a week. All women put on little weight, so I try to put on a little weight to become stronger. Jokes apart, no one messes with me.

What is your mantra for balancing fitness exercises?

Honestly, it is tough to maintain fitness. I have to really work for myself and also for my mental well-being. Now, at this stage in my life, there are so many events, commitments, and places I need to be. I have just learned to say no to a lot of difficult things. Sometimes, I get tired, so physically and mentally, it’s impossible to do many things and be present.

How do you balance your jewellery business with your other responsibilities, and what role do your friends play in supporting you?

As a close friend, I will always be there to support them at any event, etc. Otherwise, I’m slowing down the pace. Now, I have a lot on my plate. I have my jewellery business, so I’m at work every day. I have not forgotten my jewellery designs; that is my primary business, so my family and business are my priorities. Then comes everything else.

How do you prioritize your mental wellness, and what techniques do you use to manage stress?

I just recently started watching YouTube. Sometimes, I unnecessarily get stressed, especially when I think about so many things coming up. To be stress-free, I watch or listen to a meditation or manifesting—calm and peace, as I believe manifests in good and positive things.

Diet changes with age. What are your key nutritional habits as your diet changes with age?

There is no secret as such. I don’t remain hungry. I’m not advocating starving yourself and eating less, which works for me, which I have realized now. I’m a bhookad, and I love to eat and eat. Desserts are my favourite food. I also love relishing biryani.  Green vegetables, salad, and proteins are also part of my diet. I regularly walk or work out. Also, do some yoga exercises; there is no shortcut.

What is your daily routine, and how do you incorporate wellness into your busy schedule? I wake up and have white pumpkin juice with soaked walnut water. It is perfect for the gut. I also have a black cup of coffee in the morning. I go to work and spend time with my family. I do my weights alongside my workouts by walking with friends, as this makes it easier, as you are gossiping and trotting as well. This way, time just flies.

“I look at my journey and feel–What a journey it has been. I started at a young age, and I’m still at it, even at this age. It’s been a fabulous journey, and I still feel blessed. I was popular. I saw stardom at such a young age, and now I’m back in the limelight again.”