Mona is not your typical girl next door. The Chennai born model from Gopalapuram is also a successful nutritionist and fitness instructor. She did her B.SC in Clinical nutrition at Ethiraj.
Over the years, she has become highly renowned in her fields and is a coveted asset at 99 Degrees Fitness Center in Chennai.
But things weren’t always peachy for Mona. In 2009, her father started to suffer from paralysis and she had to stand on her own two feet. In 2013 she fell in love and moved to Mumbai against the will of her parents, to marry and settle with her significant other. What seemed like an innocent battle for love soon turned into a horrific nightmare. Away from her family, alone in a new city, Mona started to face the wrath of her in laws and her new husband.
Mona’s story isn’t something new – thousands of women in India face dowry harassment even today. Mona told us that this was the most tragic part of her life. Educated and with a will to strive, Mona left Mumbai and returned to Chennai with the support of the Talwakars Group.
We asked Mona a bit about her life after the tragedy she faced in Mumbai and here’s what she had to say.
What motivates you every day? So many women go through these problems and just give up on life. How are you coping with work and all the stress from your past?
I practice inspiring myself by overcoming challenges I personally set. I have never taken money from my parents as an adult and that gives me a sense of independence and freedom.
I get by with hard work and determination to the point where even as I juggle two careers I still find time to work as my own social media manager. I’m keeping myself busy and productive by multi-tasking. I believe you get what you work for not what you wish for.
Who would you say is your role model in life?
That would definitely be my mother. She has stood by me through thick and thin and I will always do the same for her.
Did you always think that you would become a nutritionist and fitness instructor?
I kind of did. I was always passionate about health and fitness. I even did home science in school and then after my course in Ethiraj I was quite sure of the path I wanted to walk down career wise.
What about your modeling career? How do you balance two different career paths?
Initially I just did a lot of random projects but now I’ve become very particular about the projects I choose for modeling. I’ve done commercials and hoardings for businesses like Pothy’s, Indian Bank and many other corporates. But this is something I work on probably once in 15 days and now I only take up print shoots. So, that really saves me time.
What would you say is the hardest part about your job? And what would you say is the most fun part?
The hardest part for me, like everyone else, is waking up in the morning. That’s all, really. Once I get to work everything about it is fun – the entire atmosphere and all the people I get to meet and work with. It’s a wonderful experience and when the day is done, I usually don’t want to go back home.
What advice would you give to other women out there who work 9 hours a day?
I would say watch your habits. We need to practice not only mindful eating but also mindful living. Being aware of what you’re putting in your body and how much stress your body and mind can take is very important in today’s world. There is nothing healthier for a working woman than regular exercise and a balanced meal.
Mona was full of helpful ideas and suggestions on health and fitness when we spoke to her. She is one of the few women who have managed to leave their tragic past behind and charge into the future with complete flare and enthusiasm.
Mona is now happily married in Chennai and lives a blessed life. We, at womenexclusive were very grateful to be able to speak with this charming young lady and we hope that she will serve as an example to many more women out there, facing their own battles. Mona’s is truly a tale of triumph.
Mona concludes by saying “My husband has been my backbone throughout and has given me a new life that has completely overshadowed my past. I am proud and lucky to be with someone like him as he is so supportive of who I am and all of my ambitions. I feel like we are truly blessed to have found each other.”
Some of her works!
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