MUMBAI: Actor and celebrity nutritionist Claudia Ciesla has played a wide range of personalities on screen, and with every role, she says her understanding of human behaviour has deepened. “Every character I’ve played has made me more aware of the subtle layers in people — their expressions, their tone, their silences, and even the emotions they try to hide,” she reflects. Acting, for her, is a form of psychological study, one that naturally sharpens observation. “It has definitely made me more attentive and more curious about what shapes people’s actions and reactions in real life.”
With sharper observation also comes empathy — and caution. Claudia believes both qualities grow simultaneously in an actor. “Acting builds empathy because you learn to justify every character’s choices, even the flawed ones. But being in the public eye teaches you to stay cautious too. Not everyone’s intentions are pure, so trusting your intuition becomes important.”
Having worked with diverse co-actors, directors and crews, Claudia says her communication style has evolved tremendously over the years. “Some people need space, some need clarity, some need warmth. When you’re on a set, adapting quickly makes everything smoother.” She adds that these experiences have made her more patient and open-minded off screen as well. “You learn to appreciate how different people work, think and respond.”
One trait Claudia has become especially sensitive to is authenticity. “The camera catches the smallest false note. Honesty is everything on screen,” she explains. Naturally, that has shaped the way she connects with people in real life. “I value genuine, straightforward and sincere energy. I can sense very quickly when someone is not being authentic, and I gravitate toward people who are grounded.”
Beyond performance, Claudia believes several off-camera skills play a huge role in an artist’s growth. A business-minded individual herself, she highlights negotiation, emotional intelligence and strong listening skills as essential. “Listening helps you understand intentions before reacting. Emotional intelligence helps you stay calm and see situations from multiple angles. These skills have helped me navigate relationships and decisions in the industry.”
For newcomers, she highlights one non-acting skill as absolutely crucial: patience. “This industry demands emotional strength and a long-term mindset. Success never comes overnight. Staying grounded, improving yourself and trusting your timing can save you from unnecessary disappointment.”
When it comes to staying balanced amid emotional demands, Claudia finds her peace in a mix of discipline and inner grounding. “Meditation centres me, exercise releases stress, and spending time with loved ones keeps me connected to reality,” she shares. For her, the biggest lesson has been maintaining a strong personal identity outside of work. “When you know who you are, it becomes much easier to switch in and out of characters without losing yourself.”
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