In a world that often feels demanding and at times chaotic, the pursuit of happiness is a quest many of us embark upon. The notion of being “Happy for No Reason” might sound elusive, but it was the central theme of a captivating Keynote Address by the multi-talented Indian actress, anchor, author, fashion designer, and fitness icon, Mandira Bedi. During the Fireside Chat hosted by Diksha Sethi from Value 360 Communications, Mandira Bedi shared insights into her life’s journey and how she discovered the art of staying happy – irrespective of life’s challenges.
Relevance Beyond Expectations
When Mandira Bedi was asked about her relevance in the entertainment industry, given its well-known shelf-life for women. Her response was a testament to her resilience and determination. “I am twenty-nine years with a lot of pride,” she said. In an industry where ageism and gender bias can be prevalent, she defied these odds and established herself as a prominent figure. She also explained that her career reinventions were not always meticulously planned but rather natural progressions in response to opportunities that came her way. “I’ve defied that and I’d like to believe that I’ve done good work. It was great to be part of the first soap and to emerge as the first cricket commentator. The reinvention was not something I decided on, they were a natural progression,” she explained.
Everything fell into place – at the right time, at the right place. It was actually responding to times. “I’d been at the right place at the right time and opportunities came my way!” she exclaimed.
Journey as an Influencer
In the age of digital influence, many individuals become influencers due to their charisma and talent. Mandira Bedi’s journey as an influencer was not a strategic career move but rather an extension of her personal and professional path. She highlighted her participation in the Indian Influencer Conclave, showcasing her genuine connection to her audience.
Brand Collaborations with Integrity
We have seen that brands collaborate with celebs for many reasons, such as – leveraging their popularity and influence, gaining credibility and visibility with the target audience, and creating a buzz around their products. In fact, celebrities can utilize their fame and reach – to effectively market and promote products and extend their personal brands too.
Mandira Bedi, known for her collaborations with various brands, shared her approach to such partnerships. She emphasized the importance of believing in the brand’s values and mission. If a brand’s ethos aligns with her personal beliefs, it’s a green light. However, if there’s a conflict of values, it’s a straightforward “No.” The authenticity of the brand-influencer partnership is a non-negotiable aspect for her.
Valuable Audience Feedback
Mandira Bedi acknowledged that, while she doesn’t let audience feedback affect her personally, it holds great value in the context of brand-related content. Of course, this insight reflects her professionalism and understanding of the symbiotic relationship between influencers and their audiences.
The Power of Authenticity
Authenticity is a core value for Mandira Bedi, and it’s also a chapter in her book, “Happy for No Reason”. During the conversation, she spoke candidly about her experiences. Going back in time, Mandira confessed openly – “When I did cricket 20 years ago, it was a complete disaster. I realized that there are people who are going to like you or not! What people think is not going to pay your bills!”
Her authenticity and openness about her failures resonated with her audience.
Social Media’s Positive Impact
While social media often receives criticism for its negative impact, Mandira Bedi found it to be a valuable tool in her fitness journey. “People think social media is negative space but it has helped me, especially in my fitness journey! I use social media to motivate me, like me workout videos,” she revealed.
So, she uses platforms like Instagram to motivate herself and her followers through workout videos, demonstrating how social media can be harnessed for personal and professional growth.
Empowering Brand Collaborations
Mandira Bedi also shared her thoughts on what makes a powerful brand collaboration. Health-related collaborations have been particularly successful, and she highlighted the effectiveness of concise 20-second content. Her association with a running shoe brand exemplified the magic that can happen when the right fit between an influencer and a brand is achieved.
Choosing Happiness: A Personal Journey
Mandira Bedi’s book, “Happy for No Reason,” serves as a testament to her personal journey toward happiness and self-discovery. Mental health and well-being have taken center stage in today’s world, and she revealed that she had been working on her mental health for a long time. Her message is clear: happiness is a choice, and it is not contingent on external circumstances.
In life, we keep chasing happiness. We may find it, or we may not – all the time. “Heaven and hell is in your head. Honestly, happiness is a choice!” she stated very clearly.
The Magic Formula: Self-Love & Gratitude
To find inner peace and happiness, Mandira Bedi advocates for the magic formula of self-love and gratitude. Self-love, according to her, involves accepting yourself as you are and using that acceptance to set objectives and find focus. It’s about becoming the best version of oneself. Additionally, gratitude plays a pivotal role in maintaining a positive mindset and dispelling negativity and anger.
“The pandemic taught me – in fact, it made me fall in love with ‘me’! I live in gratitude — that’s my super power,” she disclosed.
In a Rapidfire Round, when ‘anger’ came up her swift answer was – “A big part of my life”! And about ‘Book’ – “my deal was a 3-book deal”. In her hit list was – To do a 42-mile run! She specifically stressed the point that “one thing I’m grateful for now is – this moment, this conversation”!
Finally, one can see that Mandira Bedi’s journey is a testament to the power of authenticity, self-belief & the pursuit of happiness without reason! Her insights provide valuable lessons for both influencers & individuals seeking to lead a life filled with purpose, happiness and authenticity. And undoubtedly, her story is a reminder that, regardless of life’s challenges, we have the power to choose happiness and find peace within ourselves.
The views and opinions published here belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the publisher.
She can be reached at: @shree_la on twitter
Be the first to comment on "Mandira Bedi: Finding Happiness for No Reason"