Tena Desae Quotes

Powerful Tena Desae for Daily Growth

About Tena Desae

Tena Desae, born on December 16, 1987, in Kolkata, India, is a versatile Indian author, actress, and model, renowned for her compelling narratives that weave the intricate tapestry of human emotions, societal norms, and cultural nuances. Raised in a middle-class Bengali family, Tena's love for storytelling began at an early age when she would lose herself in the captivating tales of Rabindranath Tagore and Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay. Her journey towards authorship was fueled by her experiences as a student at Loreto College, Kolkata, where she honed her writing skills under the guidance of mentors like the acclaimed poet Joy Goswami. Tena's debut novel, "The Last Hour of Gama" (2014), was an instant success and garnered critical acclaim for its poignant exploration of love, loss, and redemption set against the backdrop of rural Bengal. The book was adapted into a critically-acclaimed film, "Kadvi Hawa," directed by Asheq Akhtar in 2018. In 2019, Tena published her second novel, "The Distance Between Us," a poignant tale of two estranged siblings reconnecting through their shared memories and dreams. The book showcases Tena's ability to delve deep into the human psyche, exploring complex themes such as identity, belonging, and forgiveness. Apart from her literary pursuits, Tena has also made a mark in the Bollywood industry with notable roles in films like "Golmaal 3" (2010) and "Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu" (2012). Despite her busy schedule, Tena continues to enchant readers worldwide with her heartfelt narratives that resonate deeply and leave a lasting impact.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Believe in yourself and take on your day and the world with confidence."

This quote emphasizes self-belief and confidence as essential tools for navigating daily life and facing the world. By believing in oneself, an individual fosters a strong sense of self-worth and resilience that empowers them to approach each day with confidence. This mindset can lead to personal growth, success, and overcoming challenges effectively. It encourages us all to trust our abilities, embrace our potential, and take on life's adventures fearlessly.


"The secret of getting ahead is getting started."

This quote by Tena Desae emphasizes the importance of taking action in order to achieve progress or success. It suggests that starting, rather than waiting for the perfect moment or having all the answers, is key to making headway in any endeavor. In essence, it encourages individuals to take the first step towards their goals and aspirations, as momentum and learning often come from the action itself.


"Success comes from knowing that you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming."

This quote emphasizes that success is achieved when one gives their utmost effort to realize their full potential. It suggests that success isn't merely about the end result, but rather the journey towards self-improvement and personal growth. By doing your best to better yourself, you are striving for success in both an absolute sense (achieving your goals) and a relative sense (becoming the best version of yourself). This mindset encourages persistence, dedication, and self-reflection, all crucial elements for achieving success.


"Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game."

This quote, attributed to Tena Desae, encourages individuals not to shy away from taking risks or pursuing their passions due to the fear of failure. The "game" in this context symbolizes any endeavor or challenge one chooses to engage in. It advises that even if striking out (failing) is a possible outcome, it should not prevent us from participating, learning, and growing through these experiences. Embracing the spirit of adventure and resilience can lead to personal growth, self-discovery, and eventual success.


"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take." (This quote is actually by Wayne Gretzky, not Tena Desae, but it's often attributed to her due to its inspiring nature and resonance with her work.)

This quote emphasizes the importance of taking action and attempting new things in life, as failure or missed opportunities are inevitable when one doesn't try at all. In other words, not making an effort guarantees that you won't achieve success, so it's essential to take shots (risks) and strive for your goals even if there's a chance of missing them, as this is the only way to potentially achieve them. This quote resonates with Tena Desae's work as she often focuses on self-discovery, personal growth, and pursuing one's dreams.


The biggest challenge is to not be affected by praise because a lot of it is not from the heart. Being true to yourself about your strengths and weaknesses, when everyone out there has a strong opinion and wants to give advice, is another challenge.

- Tena Desae

Strong, Another, About, Advice

Stay positive and happy. Work hard and don't give up hope. Be open to criticism and keep learning. Surround yourself with happy, warm and genuine people.

- Tena Desae

Work, Work Hard, Give, Yourself

Always try clothes on before you buy them. Stand, sit, walk and inspect yourself from all angles before you buy it so you don't regret it later. Knowing what it looks like on you is very important, as your body shape must suit the cut of the outfit.

- Tena Desae

Angles, Very, Cut, Outfit

Layering is always a great way to look different and to keep your look younger. Basic tees, vest tops, jackets, leggings, shrugs, etc, can be mixed up to add spunk, variety and colour to your look. A good sense of mix 'n' match is required to make this look work.

- Tena Desae

Great Way, Good Sense, Mixed, Tops

Depending on your figure, you may use clothes and colours to highlight your assets or otherwise. Darker shades always make you look slimmer while bright colours or prints can highlight your figure. Using colours to enhance your look is the easiest and smartest way to play with your figure.

- Tena Desae

Play, Shades, Use, Highlight

If it's old school friends that my parents know, then I can stay out till late. But if they don't know them, they want me home by 9 P.M. If I have work, then I don't have a deadline. I don't argue with them. That's how I have been raised, and I'm happy with it.

- Tena Desae

Happy, Been, Till, Old School

I don't plan, because everything goes against my plans anyways. There's absolutely no point in planning anything. I'm just enjoying the moment. I'm meeting with a whole lot of people - casting directors, directors, agents. I have things going on everywhere, but I have no solid plans.

- Tena Desae

Against, Directors, Whole, No Point

Most of what I've learnt is too personal or controversial to share, but nevertheless, experiences have helped me understand things better and have been necessary for what my journey in future will be.

- Tena Desae

Journey, Been, Nevertheless, My Journey

My role models are Madhuri Dixit and Kajol. Both actresses have done a wide variety of roles. That is something I wish to do. On the other hand, I also want to be like a Hugh Jackman or an Angelina Jolie because of the lives they have outside movies. Because of the kind of balance they strike between their work and life outside of it.

- Tena Desae

Other, Role, Roles, None

I work out for an hour and a half every day, alternating between cardio and weights. I also do yoga for an hour every alternate day and swim every other day.

- Tena Desae

Work, Other, Half, Hour And A Half

Listening to your instincts, while being the easiest, can also be the hardest thing to do.

- Tena Desae

Listening, Hardest Thing, Instincts

Judi Dench is incredible. She takes acting to another level. She is a thorough professional. She is always smiling and cheerful. She painstakingly rehearses with co-stars and allows you to be natural.

- Tena Desae

Smiling, Always, Dench, Cheerful

The role and the script are not the only factor to chose or do a film, but the names associated with the project also matters.

- Tena Desae

Matters, Role, Names, Factor

I will definitely continue to do Bollywood because that is my thing and I can't not do it - I have to do the singing and the dancing because it is so much fun. But I would like to explore my opportunities in the West, so we will have to wait and see.

- Tena Desae

Singing, Dancing, Wait, Bollywood

I am greedy for both Hollywood and Bollywood. For me, Bollywood is not new, as it is something that I grow up on... I know the plot... stories and characters that are written and made. I haven't got the right opportunity to show my work in Bollywood.

- Tena Desae

Hollywood, Show, Got, Bollywood

The two Hindi movies that I did were not marketed well, and so not many people came to watch the film, hence the audience doesn't know much about me. I am a newcomer, and I cannot sell a film on my own. There has to be a backing in terms of producers.

- Tena Desae

Own, Two, About, Hindi

I want to work in a bank, definitely. Hopefully, my acting career will go well. But if it doesn't, I go to a bank. If it does, then even at the age of 40, I will still go to a bank, but I have to work in a bank, because I'm really fond of taxation and accounts and investments and all of that. So I will do it. At some point, I will, yes.

- Tena Desae

Career, Some, Acting Career, Accounts

I am a graduate in business management with specialisation in finance, and I love accounts!

- Tena Desae

Love, I Am, I Love, Accounts

My parents are really quite strict, so I have to be home at a certain time - even now, at the age of 25.

- Tena Desae

Home, Really, Even, Strict

I keep my beauty regimen as natural as possible. I wash my face four times a day. In the beginning of the day, I use an exfoliating cleanser made of besan, turmeric and sandalwood. I drink lots of water and avoid oily food. I use only The Body Shop products on my face, as they use the least amount of chemicals.

- Tena Desae

Beauty, Beginning, Shop, Regimen

I don't compare myself with Freida Pinto. She has come a long way. She does only films in the West. I am open to do both - Indian films and films from the West.

- Tena Desae

Myself, Compare, Films, Indian

'The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel' is a British comedy-drama directed by John Madden. The film is based on the 2004 novel, 'These Foolish Things', by Deborah Moggach.

- Tena Desae

Best, Based, Directed, Madden

I have a sensitive skin, so all products I use have aloe vera in them. I wash my face a lot and avoid touching it unnecessarily. I use makeup only when I have to. All products I use have natural ingredients. For me, cotton soaked in rose water and then kept in the freezer for a bit works as a great toner.

- Tena Desae

Makeup, Use, Works, Vera

When accessorizing with chunky jewellery, choose bright colours that will stand out and bring alive your look. Statement pieces in bold colours can take your look to a different level and could even become a point of discussion.

- Tena Desae

Bright, Alive, Bring, Jewellery

Major differences in projects happen due to budget, director's styles, and genre of script, not industry.

- Tena Desae

Happen, Projects, Major, Budget

Everyone goes on about how Bombay is so similar to New York, so I had see what the big deal was. The bustling crowds are the same, but it's a lot quieter, it's a lot cleaner, and it's not humid. I think the energy is very similar to Bombay.

- Tena Desae

Big, Deal, Very, Cleaner

Why should I have to say bye to one thing to do another? I can do lots of things at one time, and as much as I love to do films, I'd love to do ads as well!

- Tena Desae

Love, Another, Films, One Time

Don't be surprised if you all see me in different kinds of cinema.

- Tena Desae

Me, See, Different Kinds, Surprised

I attend dance class every alternate day, and it works like a cardio workout for me. I also do weight training in the gym every alternate day.

- Tena Desae

Like, Attend, Works, Alternate

My style statement is fun and flirty. My wardrobe must-haves are a good dress that can be styled differently, a good pair of jeans, and a few nice tops.

- Tena Desae

Good, Dress, Tops, Jeans

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