Pinky Ghelani - Raj: I do not dwell on things I have no power to change

How old are you?

16…no 21...okay you twisted my arm, 25... Seriously — turning 38 — but you know it is rude to ask a woman her age right?

What do you love most about being a woman?

Celebrating all that it takes to be woman — grace, strength, passion, foresight, patience, courage, empathy, humour, being fabulous and feminine.

Are you a feminist or a traditionalist?

I think both are quite different; if you are asking if I am all for feminism or believe in the traditional way a woman was looked at, my answer is we have to move with the times. Today, a woman can be all that she wants to be; she does not have be type cast as a housewife and mother.

What was your biggest insecurity growing up?

As a teen, I was over-weight and had a uni-brow! I had plenty of insecurities, but I think the key is learning to love yourself irrespective of your outer appearance. If you are okay with yourself inside, then you emanate good energy and it reflects on the outside. We all have our own insecurities but I think if we do not make it the centre of our being and take steps to ensure we feel good, the rest just flows.

What do you believe is your best quality?

I am a straightforward person. I do not dabble in bullshit, I do not dish it out and I will never stand for it being given to me.

What is your most annoying habit?

Ask my husband. I think I am perfect (smiles).

You always look stunning, plus you have a nice figure, what is your secret?

Thank you! I have Pierra for Pilates, Africa Yoga Project for Yoga and Nick and Ken for gym — those are my secrets! Also my body is my temple, I try not to fill it with junk, I do the occasional binge.

What does being sexy mean to you?

It means being confident, having decorum and knowing who you are.

You have gone quiet for a while, what have you been working on?

I am editing a magazine called Home & Living, which I have been doing for all of last year. I am also working on some TV projects.

Tell us about your daughter?

Ariyana is three years old. Mummy-daughter time is spent playing, talking, and even going to the nail spa. She is so much fun to hang out with.

How has being a mother changed you?

It has grounded me. I am more aware of who I am, what I do and say. I aim to be a role model for her. I want her to be a good human being but not one who will be walked all over.

How do you balance your career, social life and being a mother?

I just have one child — ask the millions of women who do it with two, three or even more kids. It is not a hard thing to do once you prioritise. My number one priority is my daughter, everything else comes after that.

Is baby number two somewhere in the near future?

If God feels that he wants to bless us with another, we would be grateful.

What one thing don’t a lot of people know about you?

That I have grey hair that I can’t be asked to dye!

What do you know now about friendships now that you wish someone had told you when you were younger?

I know that I am a loyal friend. I know now that people come and go, but true friends last. They do not need to be in your face constantly, but when you see them, it is like they never left. I wish someone had told me that not all your friends mean well for you.

You have been married for a while. What advice would you give to new couple?

I spent nine years with Raj before we got married and we have been married for seven years. There have been plenty of ups and many downs — it takes work to keep a relationship healthy and happy. You must respect each other for who you both are. Give each other space and love each other fiercely.

Any regrets?

I never look back. I never regret. I do not dwell on things I have no power to change.