When I started out as a model, I took things for granted. Because

Opening Scene

The room is softly lit by the warm glow of a table lamp, casting soft shadows as the evening settles in. Outside, the city has quieted, and the usual hum of activity fades into stillness. Jack sits at the table, flipping through a magazine, while Jeeny stands near the window, gazing out at the city below. The atmosphere is calm, but there’s an undercurrent of reflection, as though a conversation about body image, self-awareness, and the turning points that shape us is about to unfold.

Host: After a brief pause, Jeeny turns from the window, her voice calm but thoughtful, breaking the silence.

Jeeny: “I came across a quote by Bipasha Basu that really made me reflect. She said, ‘When I started out as a model, I took things for granted. Because I bagged work thanks to my looks, I didn't give my body any importance. I was a couch potato who'd eat anything. Then, in 2005, a tabloid ran a story calling me fat. I thought, 'I'm famous. How can I be fat?' It was a slap. I decided to get fit.’ It made me think about how often we take things for granted, especially when it comes to our health. How we often don’t realize the importance of taking care of ourselves until something shakes us up. What do you think? How often do we take our bodies for granted until we face criticism or a wake-up call?”

Jack: “I think Bipasha’s experience speaks to a lot of people. It’s easy to get caught up in the things that come easily to us, especially when it comes to our appearance or health. When you’re young, things seem to come naturally — and we often neglect the effort that goes into maintaining a healthy lifestyle. But when she faced that criticism, it became a wake-up call. It forced her to acknowledge something she had taken for granted, and it triggered a change in her perspective. Sometimes, it takes an external shock, like criticism or a health scare, to make us realize how much we need to care for ourselves.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. I think we often think of fitness and health as things we don’t need to prioritize until we hit a certain age or something happens. But really, it’s something we should be paying attention to all the time. Bipasha was at the height of her career, famous for her looks, yet the comment about her weight made her realize that it wasn’t enough to just rely on her appearance. She needed to take her health seriously. It's a reminder that no matter where we are in life, or how successful we are, we can't take our well-being for granted.”

Jack: “Right. It’s not just about how we look; it’s about how we feel and how we treat our bodies. When we neglect our health, we’re not just risking our appearance — we’re risking our energy, vitality, and long-term well-being. But it’s so easy to get comfortable, to let the small habits slip by. Bipasha’s story is a great example of how we all need to take a step back and reevaluate our habits. What might seem like a minor issue today could end up being a major health concern tomorrow.”

Host: The conversation deepens, and Jeeny moves closer, sitting across from Jack. Her voice steady as she continues.

Jeeny: “And I think there’s also something about self-awareness here. The criticism might have been harsh, but it made her realize that she wasn’t living the way she needed to. Sometimes we can’t see our own behavior until it’s pointed out. We’re often so busy or distracted that we don’t notice the small habits that are holding us back. Bipasha's story is a reminder that we need to be honest with ourselves, to recognize when we’re slipping into bad habits, and to take action before it’s too late.”

Jack: “Exactly. And it’s also about accountability. No one is going to force us to be healthy, especially as adults. It’s up to us to take responsibility for our own health, to recognize that maintaining our body and mind is a continual effort. A lot of people wait until they’re faced with a crisis to make a change, but we should be proactive about it. It’s about setting priorities and realizing that health isn’t just about aesthetics or looking good on the outside — it’s about feeling good, having the energy, and living a long, fulfilling life.”

Jeeny: “Right. The thing that’s striking about Bipasha’s story is how quickly the realization hit her. She didn’t waste time feeling sorry for herself or blaming others. Instead, she took responsibility for her actions and made a decision to change. She could have let the criticism affect her, but instead, she used it as a motivator. That’s the kind of mindset that allows us to turn things around — taking the wake-up calls and turning them into moments of growth and action.”

Jack: “Exactly. And sometimes, it takes a moment of discomfort or criticism to push us into that next phase of growth. It might feel harsh in the moment, but it’s often the catalyst for change. We need those moments to force us out of complacency. Bipasha took that criticism and turned it into motivation, and that’s an inspiring way to look at challenges — not as setbacks, but as opportunities to improve.”

Host: The room quiets for a moment as Jack and Jeeny reflect on the deeper meaning behind Bipasha Basu’s words. Outside, the world continues, but inside, there’s an understanding that self-care and awareness are essential for growth and well-being.

Jeeny: “So, maybe the lesson here is that we can’t take our bodies or our health for granted. Whether it’s how we eat, how we exercise, or how we treat ourselves, it’s up to us to make those conscious decisions every day. And sometimes, it takes an outside perspective to help us see that we need to make a change.”

Jack: “Exactly. It’s about being proactive and honest with ourselves, recognizing when we’re not living up to our own potential, and making the changes that will keep us healthy and strong. We can’t wait for the world to tell us we need to do better; we have to take that initiative ourselves.”

Host: As the evening continues, the conversation wraps up with a quiet understanding. Our health is not something to be taken for granted, and sometimes, it takes a moment of reflection or criticism to make us realize that change is necessary. By taking responsibility for our own well-being and making proactive choices, we can ensure that we’re living our best, healthiest lives — now and in the future.