Exclusive! Celina Jaitly: Children from film lineage have natural immunity from sexual harassment that exists in Bollywood

She needs no introduction. Celina Jaitly is an epitome of beauty, grace, and intelligence. The blue-eyed actress is known for her films like 'No Entry', 'Tom Dick and Harry, 'Apna Sapna Money Money Money' and is loved by her fans and followers. Her performance in the 2020's short film, 'Season's Greetings' is also receiving rave reviews across the globe.
A staunch believer of gender equality, Celina not only champions the cause for the United Nations but also advocates for women’s rights and supports various other social causes. ETimes got in touch with the actress, who currently resides in Austria with her hotelier husband. The mother of three is celebrating her birthday today and in an honest conversation with ETimes, opened up about her birthday plan, her views on nepotism, Bollywood journey, embracing motherhood, and much more. Excerpts from the interview:
What are your birthday plans?
We are amidst a second wave lockdown in Austria so it’s going to be cosy by the fireplace in our tiny alpine village estate.
As kids, we all are very excited about our birthdays, but as grown-ups, not everyone likes to celebrate their birthdays. So has the significance of birthdays changed for you?
Yes definitely, specifically since the loss of both my parents a year and a half ago birthdays are bittersweet as memories always make such occasions difficult. But with each passing year and a year of pandemic, I feel really grateful to have a birthday surrounded with love, abundance, and good health.
Celina, you ventured into films after winning Miss India, how would you describe your long Bollywood journey?
I feel very blessed to have had this opportunity. To be a Femina Miss India, to be a Ms. Universe Runners up and have a blessed ongoing stint in the Indian film industry is remarkable. This journey has definitely had its highs and lows but that’s what life is all about.
What were some of the hurdles you faced after making a successful debut?
I came into films also at a very young age and learning the ropes was not easy, so by the time I did feel I have grown and evolved, I realised that my chance to prove myself would cost higher than I had ever imagined. While having been the leading lady of some of the biggest blockbusters, I felt that my true due as an actor came only recently with my new critically acclaimed film, 'Seasons Greetings' by Ramkamal Mukherjee which is doing very well in international film festivals across the world.

When you look back at the choices you made, do you think you would have done anything differently?
There is nothing that can be done to undo the past in any way... ever... so I never look back, I truly believe in looking forward, for the future holds more promises of all opportunities that one needs to grow to their maximum potential as human beings.
What is your view on the current insider-outsider debate that’s happening in Bollywood?
In my humble opinion, 'nepotism' is not bad, if there is a successful transition from one generation to another, which merits talent, but when it does not merit talent and blocks the entry of new talent then there is a big problem. Well, Nepotism is present in each and every sector in our country, right from Politics to the Entertainment industry to even business. Despotism favours the despot, nepotism favours the despot's genes. One of the main things that I would like to point towards is that the children from film lineage have natural immunity from the sexual harassment that exists in Bollywood, other than that everyone has to work hard, some have to work harder than others.
How have you tackled the pandemic lockdown, how are you spending your time?
The pandemic saw the release of my comeback film 'Seasons Greetings' to great reviews, most of my time went in online film promotions. Was very blessed to be high up in the alpine mountains during this entire pandemic, also was a great opportunity to heal and spend more time with our kids since schools have also been closed.
What are the kind of films that excite you and what sort of work are you looking to do?
I am under a continuous process of evolution but all the 4-5 star reviews and immense praise for my work with my latest film as well have put a lot of pressure on the future choices I can never stop doing films but it will only be for a script that sets my passion alight.
How you tackle your failures?
All people fail at certain instances in their lives, the only thing that makes them different is how they manage to stand up or how they choose to fail again. For me, failure is a great opportunity to do something better and more evolved because “you learn”.
Your toughest time in life and how you moved on...
Losing both my parents and a baby (Shamsher Haag) simultaneously was the toughest time. Moving on from it has not been easy but getting back to films has really helped channel my pain into creativity.
Tell us something about your three kids. How do you manage with all their childhood shenanigans?
The biggest surprise has actually been my “Mom voice” ... I never knew I had it... it’s so loud that even the neighbours brush their teeth and get dressed. They say experience wildlife.. raise twins ... it’s been the same with twins (Winston Haag and Viraaj Haag) plus one (Arthur Haag). The boys are everything we could ask for as parents, they made us grow into more patient human beings and certainly turn into massive multi-taskers. We both love kids so the more the merrier, Arthur the youngest one is the naughtiest.

As a parent what piece of advice would you like to give to your kids?
Our advice to our kids has always been NOT to pursue success but to pursue EXCELLENCE and we strive to guide them continuously. To give them the courage to defend their identity and dignity. They will choose their life purpose whenever they are ready, for now, they must learn, learn to study, and be good human beings.