‘Life is too short to dwell on things you don’t need to’
For actress Preeya Kalidas, it is the simple pleasures of music and cooking for her friends that always put her in a good mood and lift her spirits
Music is part of my morning ritual. I have to play music. An uplifting song, like Chaka Khan’s I’m Every Woman, always sets the tone for the day. Music is such a powerful force that, whatever mood you’re in, it can uplift you – and for me, that is important every day. So I play some music to get me going. When you’re working, laughing is key. I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to work with people who really make me happy. I just come into work and I think, ‘Yes!’ I’m always going to have fun. At the moment, I’m doing School Of Rock in London’s West End. The show is so upbeat, and at the end of the night, you’re buzzing. Seeing an audience being uplifted by what’s going on up on stage is such a fantastic feeling. Happiness is one of those things that’s very personal: different things make different people happy. For me, it’s making sure your happiness isn’t defined by what you’ve got or haven’t got. I try to enjoy the good things in my life – like spending time with my godson. It’s about having a positive mental attitude. People tend to dwell on things they don’t need to. Life is too short. The past doesn’t help your future. I’m a huge believer in making memories. I’m always taking pictures, and people get really annoyed with me, but I’ll say, ‘This is a memory moment!’ Then, a year later, I’ll find the pictures again and it’s lovely. When I was growing up, my mother was constantly cooking and she has passed that on to me. If I’m having friends over, we’re going to sit down, eat some good food and enjoy ourselves. It’s a way of bringing happiness to others. I find it quite satisfying when you make something that people really like. It’s therapeutic.