MUMBAI: Actress and celebrity nutritionist Claudia Ciesla, who was a part of Bigg Boss 3 and made her Bollywood debut with Khiladi 786, says fans have been an important part of her journey. She said, "Their love means everything to me. Because of my fans, I stayed in Bigg Boss for 10 out of 12 weeks, and honestly, that experience changed my life. It was their votes, messages, and constant support that kept me going."
"Even after all these years, I still receive so much love from people across India, and that’s one of the main reasons I made this country my home. The connection I share with my fans is emotional—they’ve grown with me, supported me in my acting journey, and now in my work as a nutritionist with Claudia’s Concept. I feel incredibly grateful for their faith and affection," she added.
For her, admiration is deeply motivating, but she shared that it can come with a sense of responsibility too. She said, "When people look up to you, you naturally want to give your best every time. However, I’ve learned to see it not as pressure but as encouragement. I remind myself that no one is perfect—what matters is being authentic."
"I stay grounded by surrounding myself with genuine people who remind me of my purpose. I think the balance comes from appreciating the love without letting it define your self-worth," she added.
Asked about her memorable fan moments, she said, "One of the most touching fan interactions happened at the airport a few years ago. I was returning from an event, and a little girl—maybe eight or nine years old—came running up to me with her mother. She was so shy at first but then said, 'I watched you in Khiladi 786, and I want to dance like you one day!' It melted my heart."
"Her mother told me that she had been practicing Balma every day after school, copying my dance moves from the video. When the little girl showed me a few steps right there in the terminal, everyone around us started clapping. It was such a sweet, spontaneous moment that reminded me how art can inspire people of all ages. I hugged her, took a selfie, and told her to always follow her dreams. Moments like that remind me why I love what I do—because when your work touches someone’s heart, it becomes more than entertainment; it becomes a connection," she added.
Sharing another unforgettable fan moment, she said, "During an event in Chandigarh, a young girl came up to me with a beautifully framed portrait she had drawn of me by hand. She had spent days working on it, and the detailing was incredible. When she handed it to me, she became so emotional that she had tears in her eyes."
"It wasn’t just a drawing; it was the love and effort she put into it that touched my heart. I was deeply moved that something I did on screen could inspire someone to create something so heartfelt. That portrait reminds me why I do what I do—because of the connection, love, and positivity my fans bring into my life," she added.
And she enjoys meeting fans in public places. She said, "It’s such a wonderful feeling to see their excitement and warmth. I try to make time for everyone who approaches me, even if it’s just a quick smile or photo. They take a few seconds out of my day but give me memories that last a lifetime."
"Of course, there are moments when time doesn’t allow, but I always try to respond with kindness and gratitude—because I truly value them," she added.
But she makes sure to maintain a balance between her personal connection with fans and her own privacy and space. She said, "I love connecting with fans through social media—replying to comments, sharing glimpses of my personal and professional life, and posting positive, motivating content. But I also make sure to keep certain parts of my life private, to protect my peace and personal space."
"I think fans understand that boundary because the connection we share is built on respect and mutual admiration. I believe in being real, approachable, and kind—that’s what keeps the bond genuine," she added.
And she is happy that autographs have now been replaced by selfies. "Selfies capture a real moment—the excitement, the smiles, the joy of meeting someone you admire. For fans, a picture holds more emotion than an autograph. They can look at it, frame it, or post it online to relive that moment again and again. It’s more personal, and I feel it brings fans and artists closer in a very genuine way," Claudia ended.
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