In a world where the service industry treats the customer as God, some have tried to set professional boundaries. While others failed, some sailed through to be winners. Celebrity nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar took to social media and shared her views on self-reliance. In a post sharing her setbacks, which could have been failures, they were the ones that set her apart. Not only did they help build her image in the industry, it also led to “short-term losses, but long time gains.”
Known for her wide array of clients, such as Kareena Kapoor Khan, Saif Ali Khan, and Alia Bhatt, Rujuta has kept a number of Bollywood beauties in shape. The author of several self-help books like ‘Indian Superfoods’, Diwekar has over a million followers on Instagram.
‘Gym owner fired me for being oversmart’
Sharing her experience from her yesteryears in the field, Diwekar shared an anecdote from the early 2000s. Working as a gym trainer, for three hours a day, she earned Rs 10,000 for working thrice a week. Being in a seemingly comfortable position at the time, Diwekar once refused to continue the session of a client who showed up 2.5 hours late, when she was about to leave for home, she revealed.
This did not end well with her employer. In her post, she shared, “The gym owner fired me for being over smart. I thank both of them at least once a year,” she added. Dejected and disheartened, Diwekar today revealed that it may have contributed to her success today.
‘I developed a reputation of a ‘toughie’
Over time, the nutritionist revealed that she embodied the tag of professionalism. It was not long before she was given the labels, “nahi karegi, bohot professional hai [she is very professional]”, “toughie”, “go to her, she will straighten you out”. Looking at the bright side, she said that it eventually worked out for her in the longer run. “No one expected me to wait on them, chase them, humour them,” she remarked.
Owing to these experiences, she added that only “your belief in yourself, you undettering support” matters. Today, she is one of the most prominent names in the field of health and nutrition. A trusted dietary guide, she holds many accolades to her name. With a postgraduate degree in Sports Science and Nutrition, she is often seen avoiding brand endorsements, paid campaigns, and collaborations, making her an authentic voice in the space.
