When you think of a doctor, the first image that comes to mind is a person wearing a white coat and a stethoscope. And when you think of a model, you imagine someone walking down glamorous ramps and posing for fashion shoots. But what if we tell you one woman is living in both these worlds with equal passion?
We had an exclusive conversation with Dr Gita Prakash, a doctor by profession, a model by chance, and an inspiration by choice. She opened up about her journey, her views on a healthy lifestyle, and her refreshing perspective on balancing life.
A childhood spark that lit the way
Dr. Gita’s dream of becoming a doctor started very young. She recalls a childhood memory of her friend who had a hole in her heart. Watching her friend suffer and then recover after surgery left a lasting impression on her.
“I thought doctors are just one step below God,” she says with a smile. That was the moment she decided medicine would be her path.
With her mother’s support, she pursued her medical studies at the Armed Forces Medical College in Pune and went on to serve in the army for five years. Later, after marriage and children, she continued her practice part-time because, as she believes, your profession must bring you joy.
When modelling happened
One day, an Italian photographer walked into her clinic. Impressed by her aura, he invited her for a photoshoot.
“At first, I thought, who is he to ask me? But I said yes,” she recalls.
At the age of 57, she found herself in the middle of glamorous models, shooting for none other than designer Tarun Tahiliani’s Couture Book.
“I couldn’t believe it when the book arrived, and I was on the centre page,” she laughs. That was the beginning of a whole new chapter in her life.
The balance of both worlds
Switching between two worlds, medicine and modelling, might sound overwhelming, but for Dr. Gita, it’s all about perspective.
“As a doctor, I heal patients, and that makes my heart happy. As a model, when I see beautiful clothes and pictures, that also makes me happy. Both are different, but equally fulfilling,” she explains.
Her views on a healthy lifestyle
When asked about a healthy lifestyle, Dr Gita emphasises that health isn’t just physical. In her words, “You need to be physically fit, mentally calm, and emotionally balanced. All three go hand in hand.”
She notes how today’s generation is caught in a rat race. They chase ranks, run behind recognitions and deadlines. That constant pressure takes a toll on their mental health.
She gives a few tips to stay healthy and believes that even small changes can make a big difference. She advises choosing healthier snacks like crackers, fruits, or salads instead of fried foods, and making time for exercise, even a 15-minute walk or quick stretch can reset your body. She also highlights the need for mindful breaks, encourages people to stand up, walk around, and breathe deeply rather than sit endlessly.
“Why do we work? So that we can eat. If you don’t eat on time, what’s the point?” she asks. Rather than overcomplicating wellness, she advises people to focus on small steps that often make a big difference.
The biggest challenge in staying healthy
According to Dr. Gita, the biggest roadblock is stress. Targets, deadlines, and overcommitments often overwhelm people.
“Make a list of your tasks,” she suggests. “Often, you’ll realise you don’t even need to do 40% of them.”
She also comments on the importance of digital detox. “We are glued to our phones, laptops, and TVs. Even patients bring their phones into consultations. This kills real conversations and creativity,” she points out.
She advises setting aside devices during meals, talking to your loved ones, painting, gardening, or pursuing a hobby that isn’t screen-based.
She explains that while diets can help, they should never be followed blindly. “Don’t skip meals. Eat everything in moderation. And remember, being thin does not always mean being healthy,” she stresses.
What to learn from her
Dr. Gita Prakash is living proof that life doesn’t have to fit into one box. You can be a doctor, a model, a mother, and still start new journeys at any age. She believes in eating a balanced diet, staying active daily, taking care of both mind and body, avoiding fads, and never stopping in pursuit of what makes us happy. At 57, she stepped into a world she had never imagined, and today, she continues to inspire not just with her photoshoots but also with her wisdom on health, lifestyle, and living fully.
Quick Takeaways
- Being thin doesn’t mean you are healthy.
- Prioritise tasks and let go of unnecessary pressure.
- Life doesn’t have an age limit. You can start new journeys anytime.
Must Read:
- Chandrima Roy: The Life Path Illuminator
- Sri Suniiel Naik: The Visionary Who Unlocks the Power of Numbers
- India’s Most Trusted Spiritual Mentors
