Meet Manav Vij, better known as Joydeep in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi.

Has Kyuki been your first tryst with fame?

No, I have done a telegu film Okariki Okaru and Punjabi movies Des Hoya Pardes and Mannat. But it was Kyuki that moved me out of the regional level and made me a household name. Ultimately the reach of television works!

Do you believe in Sun Signs?

I believe in sun signs. I feel that I get along well with Capricorns and I have realized I go out of my way for them. In fact I believe in most of the holistic streams, be it astrology, numerology, the entire gamut that prevails in this world.

Have you experienced holistic healing before?

I am myself a doctor; I have studied in homeopathy sciences and specialized in psychology later. I haven't experienced the healing aspect of the Holistic science. But yes I do take meditation seriously. I believe it can play a very positive role in our life.

What kind of meditation are you into?

Primarily I do Mantra Jap that my maternal grand father taught me. Apart from that I have come to realize that thinking good about people is a meditation in itself.

What do you do to maintain your positive levels?

Avoid negative people. It is better to hibernate yourself if you think your not finding positive people. It is better to spend time with yourself watching a movie, singing songs rather than spend the time with people who have a negative outlook.

Do you belief in gemstones?

I don't have much knowledge about it but I believe that they would be having their merits. Right now I am wearing a pearl stone and it has helped me to calm down my anger, <laughs> it has helped me so much that now I calm other also <laughs>

How do you forgive people who have hurt you?

My first instinctive response is not to forgive people who have hurt me. But once I calm down and it feels that the other person is repenting or is hurt then I do have it in me to forgive them.

What is your mantra of success?

My mantra of success is never to forget the roots. If we have our feet firmly grounded then we are bound to have the wings of success.

What is spirituality for you?

Spirituality is extremely connected to convictions. If I have conviction towards some God then my faith will work wonders. Also, I think our good karma's are also a part of the spiritual realm.

I believe in Gurdas Mann. His words have always been a source of inspiration for me and I try to implement his thoughts in my life.

Is love too a part of spirituality?

Love is a feeling when in the heart, words when on our tongue and a way of life when in action.

Do you think there is life after death?

Have you ever missed some one who has crossed over so much that you feel that they are present with us? I firmly believe in such things and my belief has been vindicated by the experiences that I have heard from people. What people call it intuition, I think is nothing but these spirits who are saying something to us.

How important are affirmations?

There is no doubt that Affirmations are important. Our thoughts manifest as our destiny.

Interview designed and co ordinated by Shweta