As the calendar turns to 2026, actress Jonita Doda, celebrated for her role in India's pioneering 3D romantic film Salmon 3D (2023), is redefining what New Year's resolutions mean. In an exclusive conversation with ETimes, she moves away from conventional goal-setting, advocating for a more compassionate and balanced approach to personal growth.
Flipping the Script on New Year Resolutions
Jonita begins with a candid admission about the typical fate of resolutions. She observes that while they start with great enthusiasm, they often become a "running joke by February." However, 2026 marks a significant shift in her perspective. "This time I'm flipping the script," she declares. Her central resolution is profoundly personal: to be kinder to herself. She explains this stems from a lifetime habit of prioritizing others, and now it's time for a change.
While empathy remains a core value, Jonita now understands the necessity of balance. "I've realized that to keep giving to others, I need to refill my own cup too," she shares, highlighting a crucial insight into sustainable compassion. This philosophy forms the bedrock of her plans for the coming year.
A Holistic Blueprint: Fitness, Discipline, and Personal Time
For Jonita, fitness is part of the plan but not in a restrictive sense. It's not merely about gym sessions or yoga, but about cultivating a feeling of being healthy and strong. She identifies discipline as the real key to achieving this state, emphasizing consistency over intensity.
She also addresses a common challenge in her multifaceted life. Juggling roles as an actor and entrepreneur often means personal time quietly slips away. Her resolution is to reclaim that time. "This year, I want to change that - to make myself a priority before the day takes over," she states. Jonita believes that making self-care a habitual practice will allow everything else in life to fall into place naturally.
Podcast Dreams and Planetary Care
2026 is also the year Jonita brings a long-held dream to life: launching her podcast. Titled "The Voice with Jonita Doda," she envisions it as a meaningful space for deep connection. "I want it to be a space where I can connect more deeply with people - listen, share, and bring more real stories to life," she reveals.
Her vision extends beyond personal and professional goals to include the planet. She wants to normalize environmental care, framing it not as an extra activist duty but as a natural part of living a good life.
Jonita concludes on a warm, inclusive note, expressing hope that her renewed approach will stick. Her ultimate wish for everyone in 2026 is simple yet powerful: "I hope we all remember to be a little kinder to ourselves and to each other - because that's what makes life better."
