Mariella Zanetti, a familiar face in Peruvian entertainment, is opening up about her life and career. The actress, dancer, and businesswoman rose to fame in the 1990s with popular calendars and music magazines, and continues to connect with audiences today through social media and her latest role as a critic on the reality display La Granja VIP Perú.
Zanetti, who also has experience as a radio host and entrepreneur, is known for her direct and authentic voice. She’s now bringing that same energy to the small screen, offering commentary on the dynamics and strategies within La Granja VIP Perú, and resonating with a new generation of viewers. The reality show format continues to be a popular draw for audiences and celebrities alike.
Su esposo le dice de cariño ‘Tú eres mi rosa salvaje’. Foto: Archivo Trome.
In a recent interview, Zanetti shared insights into her 12-year marriage, revealing what initially drew her to her husband. “He didn’t seek fame by being with me,” she explained. “He’s always stayed away from the media due to the fact that he’s very reserved, but everyone likes him. He’s very gentlemanly, doesn’t speak ill of others, and isn’t problematic. I’m totally different.”
When asked about jealousy, Zanetti admitted, with a laugh, “Well, let’s just say I am a little jealous, but not toxic. I used to be, oh, incredibly toxic! But I think jealousy also depends on the security your partner gives you, and Javier is impeccable. I hope my mouth doesn’t receive me in trouble, but in these 12 years, he’s never given me a reason to distrust him.”
Mariela cuando participó en un concurso de baile de Gisela Valcárcel. Foto: Archivo Trome.
Zanetti didn’t shy away from addressing the topic of infidelity, stating firmly, “I’ve always said that if you’re cheated on, there’s no going back. It’s happened to me, you know… I forgave, we tried again, but it didn’t function because I couldn’t live peacefully. Something breaks forever in the relationship.”
When asked about the key ingredients for a successful relationship, Zanetti emphasized the importance of respect, sincerity, and empathy. She also weighed in on whether exes can remain friends, noting, “It depends on how things ended and how much time has passed.”
Se considera una mujer con calle, fosforito y guerreraza. Foto: Archivo Trome.
Describing herself as outspoken and impulsive, Zanetti stated, “I’m very ‘fosforito’ and impulsive. My husband is the one who thinks before he speaks and acts. If someone comes at me with insults or tries to hit me, I’ll punch them right back. I won’t tolerate it.”
Balancing motherhood, cooking, acting, entrepreneurship, and radio work, Zanetti says being a mother is what she feels most comfortable with. “Although it’s difficult, I love being a mom. If I could, I would have had more children. And if I could adopt, I would too.”
La artista junto a sus dos hijos. Foto: Facebook Mariella.
However, she admits television can be challenging. “People want you to be who they want you to be. I once made a video cooking in my house and people started criticizing my old pots. Of course they’re old because I use them every day! Does anyone not have old pots in their kitchen? People are used to seeing appearances on social media, and that’s not me.”
Zanetti isn’t afraid to confront online negativity, stating, “I argue with them, because I’m outspoken.”
No descarta volver a ponerse las plumas y lentejuelas. Foto: Facebook Mariella.
As for her beauty secrets, Zanetti keeps it simple: “My moisturizer morning and night, and that’s it. I see girls putting like six things on their face and… how lazy! A lot of nonsense. I haven’t had any surgery on my face; on my body, obviously (laughs).”
When asked about a song that always gets her moving, Zanetti enthusiastically replied, “I love music, I dance to everything, especially cumbia. I love ‘El bombón asesino’ and I dance like I’m 15 years old (laughs). All of Lisandro Meza’s songs too. And I also like old ballads, like Rocío Dúrcal or Julio Iglesias. With those, I sing or shout at the top of my lungs.”
Ganó el concurso de cocina El Gran Chef: Famosos. Foto: Internet.
Zanetti, who will turn 50 this year, feels blessed with a stable life and a loving family. She embraces aging, stating, “I’ve always been honest about my age. I’ve lived 50 years well and enjoyed them. I have half a century of life, surrounded by my family, with a lot of love and a stable life.”
When it comes to staying in shape, Zanetti says she doesn’t do much at all. “I just live well and peacefully. I don’t bother anyone, I don’t hurt anyone. Everything bad you do comes back to you, you have to be very careful. That’s the secret to looking good and healthy.”
Mariella: “He sido una de las mujeres más ricas del país y a mucha honra”. Foto: Facebook Mariella.
Zanetti proudly states, “I’ve been one of the richest women in the country, and with all due respect. It left me a lot of experience and money; with everything I earned, I helped my family.”
Currently serving as a critic on La Granja VIP Perú, Zanetti initially considered participating as a contestant but ultimately opted for the role of judge. “At first, they proposed that I enter as a participant, but it was impossible due to my work on the radio and my children. Although I would have loved to. Then they told me to come in as a critic and, of course, I accepted. Everyone loves gossip (laughs).”
Ahora es crítica en el concurso reality La Granja VIP Perú. Foto: Archivo Trome.
She believes a successful contestant needs to be authentic. “They have to be themselves, as authentic as possible. People will appreciate that.” While Zanetti remains tight-lipped about her favorites, she admits to having “faith in four competitors: one man and three women.”
