As a child, Malvika Raaj played the young Kareena Kapoor character in Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham.
After a brief stint with modelling, Malvika is excited to be back in films with Squad -- opposite Rinzing Denzongpa -- which streams from today, November 12.
In a quick chat with Rediff.com Contributor PS Aaryan Khanna, Malvika reveals the secret to her toned bikini bod, her love for "extra cheese pizza" and why the Maldives is her favourite travel destination.
From modelling to acting...what inspired you to switch careers?
I always wanted to be an actor. Modelling was just for fun initially.
I learned so much from the fashion industry. I made so many great friends and memories forever.
Your Instagram feed is filled with bikini pics that always go viral...
It is the bikini body I work so hard on.
How do you stay so fit?
One has to be dedicated, eat right and work out. There are no shortcuts to success.
I love my gym and I love training.
It releases my endorphins and it is the best feeling post a good workout.
My routine is generally 3 days of strength training and 3 days of cardio.
When you are not sweating at the gym, how do you stay fit?&
I love jogging on the beach. Also, I love dancing.
You are making your debut opposite the fit Rinzing Denzongpa. Did you take any fitness lessons from him?
Rinzing is super hard working.
And when you are working with someone so dedicated it just motivates you to put your best foot forward.
Do you also follow a strict diet?
I don't really have a strict diet. But I try and avoid sugar and gluten as much as possible.
What's your favourite cheat meal?
I love my cheat meals as I am a big foodie. My favourite would be an extra cheese pizza with molten lava chocolate dessert.
Who is your favourite fashion designer?
Without being biased, Sonaakshi Raaj (her sister).
A designer whose outfit you'd love to wear in the future
As I used to be a runway model, I have worn most of the Indian designers. But I would love to wear a Zuhair Murad outfit one day.
What has been your biggest learning in the lockdown?
That life is uncertain and the basic needs of life should not be taken for granted.
Your idea of a perfect boyfriend...
Someone who is on the same page as me on a holiday.
I need a balance of partying, shopping and some adventure sport. That's a perfect holiday for me. So, someone who enjoys that too.
He must have a good character and be well mannered.
And he must wear a good perfume.
A celebrity you admire...
Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone are really inspirational.
An actor you'd love to work with...
I am a Ranbir Kapoor fan.
A place on your bucket list..
I have travelled to so many destinations other than New York. Can you believe it?
I am such a huge F.R.I.E.N.D.S. fan, and I really want to live the New Yorker life someday.
Your favourite holiday destination would be...
The Maldives. It's just paradise.
