My life became hell without money: Daljeet Kaur

Daljeet Kaur is currently one of the most talked about actresses of the small screen, courtesy her new avatar post the weight loss. In an exclusive interview with the TimesOfIndia.com, the actress talks about her makeover, bad marriage and life without money.

First of all congratulations for the weight loss.
Thank You.

Why did you suddenly think of losing weight?
I take life one day at a time. I thought now was the time to get back in shape and I started working towards it. I feel when people are offering me work, they should do it willingly and it should not be under any pressure. I am feeling much more confident now after the weight loss. I didn't want to give any excuses to my fans that I have gained weight because I delivered a baby. Earlier, I couldn't do it as I needed money to join a gym and work on myself. But after I started working again, I could afford it. I have really worked hard to lose 25 kg. In fact, I weigh less than I did before my marriage.

How are you taking care of your weight?
I have been following a strict diet since last one year. I have had no roti or rice in this last one year. I exercise regularly without fail.

How do you manage to do all this even while shooting for a daily soap? How do you take care of your son Jaydon?
I just think about one thing that whenever my son grows-up, he should be proud of me. I sometimes end up shooting for 18 hours a day, but I make sure I give time to my son and exercise. Sometimes, I even go to gym late in the night when my son is asleep. I won't be modest. It has been very tough and requires a lot of will power. I have been single-handedly taking care of my son. Be it financially or emotionally, I am always there for him. For Jaydon I am his father-mother both.

Are you expecting that this weight loss will help you fetch younger roles?
Honestly, yes. I have been praying for that. I can't thank Tony & Deeya (the producers of Kaala Teeka) for giving me the show. When I joined Kaala Teeka I purely did it for money. I was going through a bad phase and I needed the money desperately and it was very kind of the producers of the show that they brought me back. But I hope the industry is forgiving and they will be accept me as a lead in a show soon.

What kind of shows you would like to take up?
I would like to do a romantic youthful show. I want to play a peppy, full of life character. As an actor I am greedy to do a romantic show which has an intense love story. My character from 'Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon' got immense popularity from the viewers. I hope to see the same popularity as the lead of a show. I did Kaala Teeka for financial reasons and I have no regrets about it.

You have gone through a lot in the last couple of years. From facing domestic violence to taking care of your son on your own and fighting divorce. Do you regret any thing?
The only thing I feel sometimes is that I should have spoken up earlier. It would have been worth it. I know I was speaking truth, but I still took a lot of time expressing the pain. It was the most difficult phase of my life. I feel every experience good or bad teaches you something. I have learnt a lot from my bad experiences. However, I am happy that I met some really good people during the phase. They not only helped me, but also guided me. I am thankful to them, they never let me be alone.

Have you ever thought about reconciliation with Shaleen?
All that is not going to happen. I am in a very peaceful space. If not happy or content. No doubt it was a tough phase. I am no more revengeful or have any angst. I am done with that phase. I don't hold any regrets, grudge or ego. If Shaleen wants to co-exist, I am fine with it. My only priority is my son and his happiness. I am doing all that it needs to be a good single mother. If Shaleen can be a good father to him and can contribute in my son's upbringing and towards his happiness, I am content. I want my son to grow-up as a happy person. For that if Shaleen wants to meet him for a minute or 10 hours I have no problem. I am ready to co-exist.

Will you ever fall in love again?
It's too early to even think about it. Right now I am going through so many uncertainties and trying to settle down everything in my life. I want to kick that person hard who said, 'money can't buy you happiness'. I know what life is without money. My life had become hell without money. I don't decide anything in life so whenever it (love) has to happen, it will happen.

Last year you were offered Bigg Boss but you couldn't do it as your son was too young. Are you still open to the idea?
Last year, things were different. I know everyone was talking about my personal life. But I never wanted it to be discussed on national television. I didn't want to publicize it. I was in need of money. As I said my son is my priority, I can't think of being away from him for three months. I understand that Bigg Boss can fetch me great money. I would rather do a daily soap and see my son every night than do a season of Bigg Boss.

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