Although the progressive Indian society has done enough to break the sexist taboo
surrounding a woman’s age, unfortunately we still have women who, because of
varied reasons, work hard to stave off aging. They fail, of course, but the
battle is important to them. But there are also women who have learn to live
with aging, like Aditi Govitrikar, 45, who has aged gracefully and not only won
the Gladrags Supermodel Contest in 1996 but also the Gladrags Mrs. India in
2000 and subsequently Mrs. World contest in 2001. Now, it’s 2018 that we are in
but Aditi could still be the poster girl for ‘timeless beauty’.
Aditi believes that Goa has been integral to my life story.
Aditi says, “I have experienced the growth of Goa from the raw hippie culture
in the 1980s that transcended all national boundaries to the super rich that
followed in the 1990s with the Taj five star hotels, to Goa becoming the Trance
party capital of the world in the 2000s.” The actress also shares an anecdote –
“In early 2000s in front of Tito’s in Baga, one of my dearest friend and model
Fluer Xavier and I had an impromptu street wrestling match to test which one of
us was physically stronger. It would come hardly as a surprise that we had
plenty of cheering spectators.”
Her stint in modelling and acting may have mode her enormously
popular but few know that she is also a medical doctor and psychologist, with the
latter role taking most of her time now. Govitrikar was in Goa recently for a
photo shoot for her mental wellness campaign. She has started an initiative to
partner with leading fashion designers, jewellers and resorts among others to
raise the happiness ranking of our beautiful nation in the World Happiness
Report, and is quick to point out that India ranked 122nd in the last report –
behind Pakistan and Nepal. But an optimistic Aditi says, “Watch this space come
to life over the course of this year.”
From being a doctor to a model, then acting and now giving TED
talks, Aditi has handled multiple roles, yet made the transition seem seamless.
Aditi elaborates – “It has been a very rewarding experience and with each
transition, I feel I have become a better version of myself. Having said that,
it always sounds easier in hindsight.” With a reference to her recent TED talk
– on long life being a catalyst to career change, Aditi adds, “We live longer
and healthier lives than our forefathers could imagine. As we age our values
change so what we decided to take up as a vocation in our 20s may no longer be
what we wish to do in our 40s, 50s or later. It is vital for our wellbeing to
stay in tune with ourselves and change. Meaning after all ensues from a meaningful
activity.”
The
versatile and talented lady has gained immense following on social media,
specifically on Instagram, where her tips on skin and hair, and mental wellness
are a huge hit with her followers. Aditi also admits that the actress in her is
eager to be back on the silver screen. She is actively in dialogue for
character roles both in Bollywood and regional cinema and is also open to
considering television shows. But for now, she Aditi says that she intends to
continue the use of social media to share the knowledge that she has acquired
recently as a psychologist to help people lead happier lives.
