The old and oft repeated cliché that appearances are deceptive rings true in the case of actor Hazel Keech, whose claim to fame is Salman Khan blockbuster Bodyguard .
Hazel, who looks like an English woman, is half British herself, but surprisingly grew up with traditional Indian values which continue to be dear to her. Similarly, Hazel looks like a youngster of average built on the screen but in reality is strong, flexible and agile. Her fitness level strengthened during her younger days while she was fine tuning her dance.
“Dancing improved my fitness level and endurance. I did kick boxing and worked out in gym. I believe in a combination of exercises like yoga and Cross fit.”
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When it comes to food, Hazel follows a strict diet chart making sure she eats a wide variety of fruits. “I am not a foodie per se but believe that whatever one eats has to match with exercise. So I eat what is healthy, avoid junk food and sugar. I also make sure that I drink plenty of water.”
In Bollywood looks play a crucial role in getting big projects. To look radiant on the silverscreen, Hazel says make-up plays an important role in her scheme of things. However, she is cautious not to use a beauty product laced with chemicals.
“I was guilty of using beauty products without consulting a dermatologist. So I’ve developed a sensitive skin. Before retiring to bed, I wash my face. If I use a moisturiser then I wash my face first,” says the actor, who launched lightening cream BI-Luma in the Capital recently.
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In Bodyguard Hazel played second fiddle to Kareena Kapoor but managed to make her presence felt. Personally, the actor likes working in family films. “What I feel strongly about is that we should make family films which promote Indian values. These values need to be propagated to the young generation.”
Shedding light on her upcoming Bollywood project, Hazel says she is doing Baanke Ki Crazy Baraat because of two reasons. “Firstly, it has lovely story and secondly it has a fantastic cast. I am doing an item number sung by Rekha Bhardwaj.”
Noting that songs are a part of the Indian culture since time immemorial, Hazel, whose Mauritanian mother is of Indian descent, says Indian families from grandmothers to adolescents watch songs on satellite channels. “We don’t have to be shy about our songs. There is nothing demeaning or vulgar about them.”
While the television viewing public watches a reality show like Bigg Boss 8 , Hazel steers clear of watching it as it doesn’t epitomise Indian values. “I think Indian values are lost to this generation.”