Udita Goswami's Canine Crusade
From her breakthrough role as a femme fatale in Zeher to her portrayal as a damsel who gets double-crossed in Aksar to her thrilling performance in the recent thriller Aggar, model-turned-movie-heartthrob Udita Goswami always burns up the big screen. A bona fide Bollywood bombshell, Udita is much more than just a pretty face. Just ask the many dogs that she cares for. From showering her own pack of pups with plenty of puppy love to helping stray dogs living in her compound to promoting spaying and neutering companion animals, the alluring actor is also a big-time animal advocate. Recently, she chatted with us about her career, her love for canines and much more:
Coming from the small state of Uttaranchal, how did you end up choosing acting as a career? How has your experience been?
It wasn't really acting; it was being in the media world. So it started with modelling, and then came acting. My experience with acting has been good – in fact, better than what I had expected, and that's why I am still doing it.
You have four dogs, right? Can you tell us about them?
No, I have three in Delhi and two in Mumbai. The oldest is Daisy. Then come Diana, Delphi, and Dorene, and the youngest is Nimo.
You also do a lot of work for stray dogs.
I give food to stray dogs in my compound. But what's shocking to note is the fact that they wait for the water more than the food, especially during the summer months.
Why do you think it is important to support animal protection?
I feel I have a very strong bond with animals. Everyone in my family loves animals.
I am sure you have heard about animal protection groups that are working towards reducing the population of stray animals and so sterilise them. What are your views on that?
I support the cause of sterilising dogs and would offer to help in this respect.
Do you think it is important to preserve wild animals' natural habitats? Why?
God has created animals, and we need to preserve them. I don't know how people can hunt animals. Why can't they just let them be?
What do you have to say about animals imprisoned in cages, who cannot even engage in their most natural activities?
I went to a zoo once, a long time back. But I feel it's wrong to keep animals in cages.
These days, tigers are endangered because they have been killed for their skins. Elephants are killed for their tusks for ivory. What do you have to say about the illegal trade in wild animal products?
If you ask any animal lover, he or she will be against the illegal trade in wild animal products. I too feel strongly about this.
What do you have to say about animals who are forced to perform out of fear of being whipped or beaten, such as animals in circuses?
I feel it is definitely wrong to use animals for entertainment in circuses. Hence, I have never been to a single circus in my life. I cannot see an animal beaten. If I had my way, I would go and slap the guy doing it. I really feel bad for animals, even when I see them on Animal Planet.
What would your message be to young people about protecting animals?
Just be nice to animals.
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