The Glitz ‘Super Woman’ come in all shapes and sizes. But what makes them stand out amongst the milieu is because they are stubborn, relentless, fearless, feisty and ambitious, and make no bones about it. They stand for what they believe in and despite the odds, fly high and catch up with the sun!
…We truly believe that she is a phenomenal talent and just the tip of her talent has been discovered and showcased. But there’s so much more to her than just being an amazing actor, she’s also the UN Equality Champion, social activist, Diversity Consultant, Miss Universe runners-up and so much more…. Meet Celina Jaitly, patriotic Indian born in a family with deep rooted connections to the army – her dad was the dynamic Colonel V K Jaitly and her brother Vikrant Jaitly is also serving in the army, a fab daughter, an amazing wife to Austrian Peter Haag, and a fab mom to her three kids to whom we keep seeing her impart a deep love for both Indian and Austrian cultures. Celina Jaitly is TheGlitz Super Woman because despite all the challenges she has faced in life, Celina truly believes: “There is no such thing as a setback. Your struggles do not define you but they shape the person you become when you face them and overcome.” Read on…
Celina, you’re a wonderful actor – in fact, I truly believe you’ve shown the world just a jhalak of your phenomenal talent, Your journey has had many momentous milestones. Could you list some of them for TheGlitz?
I truly agree with you, however, I still need to do films that complement the actor within. I came from the fashion industry into films and it was a process of evolution, I learned a lot along the way and now I truly believe I have found my niche. I absolutely love comedies and I would love to work in an intelligent comedy devoid of sleaze and rich in content.
My best films performance wise have been :
- Ramkamal Mukherjee’s SEASONS GREETINGS- A TRIBUTE TO RITUPORNO GHOSH
- Khalid Mohamed’s SILSILEY
- Anees Baazmi’s NO ENTRY
You are also a humanitarian, a gender equality activist, UN equality champion, Diversity consultant and the perfect Indian ambassador abroad. You are TheGlitz Super Woman. Could you tell us about your life-changing journey that has moulded you to be what you are today?
There is a purpose for everyone you meet. Some people come into your life to test you, some to teach you, some to use you, and some to bring out the very best in you. Once in your life, you have an interaction that changes you forever and in my case, the LGBTQI community, their love, compassion, their agonies and ecstasies touched and transformed my life in a beautiful way. I have always believed in the fact that one day you’ll be just a memory for some people. Do your best to be a good one.
Could you list three of your major achievements?
- Winning Ms. India and Ms. Universe Runners Up at the age of 19 after great perseverance, self-motivation and learning in the fashion industry since the age of 14.
- After fighting for repealing section 377 for more than a decade as an activist leading to working with United Nations as an Equality champion for LGBTQIA rights.
- My three sons brought out the best version of myself and Winston Viraaj Arthur will always be the star on my Christmas tree.
What are the setbacks you have faced? How did you tackle these setbacks or challenges? And what lesson have you learned from it?
There is no such thing as a setback. Your struggles do not define you but they shape the person you become when you face and overcome them. There is a purpose for everyone you meet and everything that happens to you. Some people or situations come into your life to test you, some to teach you, some to use you, and some to bring out the very best in you. My biggest lesson has been that it is very important to close some doors today. Not because of pride, incapacity or arrogance, but simply because they lead you nowhere.
When you look back, what are the three qualities in you that have helped you become what you are today?
Integrity, perseverance, resilience and courage. I give “Courage” the utmost credit in my life journey because Courage is the most integral of human qualities as it is the quality that guarantees others.
Who are the people who have been the wind behind your wings?
My late parents (Colonel VK Jaitly & Dr Meeta Jaitly), My husband Peter, my sons and my best friend Viraj Rai who is no more.
Lastly, if there was a quote to define you, what would it be?
I have travelled far and wide, experienced highs and lows, enough to satisfy many lifetimes and Yet inside journeys await !!!!
