I worked day and night: Diana Hayden

For about two and a half years, model-turned-actor Diana Hayden confesses she’s been almost anti-social. “My friends were so fed up — they hadn’t seen me in months. So when I showed them my work, they said, ‘Now it all makes sense!’ That was the first acknowledgement I received,” says Hayden, who since her debut on the runway, has moved on to don the roles of an actor, a motivational and grooming expert and now, most recently, that of an author.

The former Miss World recently released a self-help/beauty book titled A Beautiful Truth. About the 256-page encyclopedia on grooming, she says, “It was something that emerged from my lectures.” She adds, “I have worked day and night. And I’m glad about the way it (the book) has turned out. For me, it’s the biggest thing since Miss World.” Diana wrote, illustrated, designed and published her book herself, hoping to help women of all ages.

“While researching, I realised that there wasn’t one expansive book. My work covers everything from how to determine your body shape and skin type, to how to dress accordingly and how to conduct yourself,” she says.

Replete with tips and tricks, the book is also injected with humour, courtesy Diana’s early days as a struggler. “When my parents split up, I dropped out of school after class eight, and started working when I was 13,” she reveals.

Pre-pageant days saw her work as a receptionist, telephone operator and even a salesgirl at an ittar (natural perfume) store, giving her enough fodder to colour these pages.

For now, Diana is happy with the response to the book. “I’ve sold two lakh copies through pre-orders, which is an achievement for any debut writer,” she claims.

And as she prepares for the release of her supernatural thriller, Lori, all Diana’s wishing for now is some time off. “I have so many movies to catch up on. And Aamir Khan’s show,” she laughs. “Everyone’s talking about it, but I have yet to watch the first episode!”

Diana Hayden’s grooming dos and don’ts

A lot of people overdose on perfume, without realising that it is as bad as bad body odour.

You should use a shampoo that suits your scalp, not, as is commonly believed, your hair type.

For your skin, you have to keep changing your moisturiser every season, since your skin keeps changing with the weather.

It’s said that you shouldn’t gesticulate as you speak. For me, if you tie my hands, I wouldn’t be able to talk. What matters is that your hand movements shouldn’t overpower your words, rather they should enhance or help you express yourself better.