The word fitness means several things. First and foremost, it signifies health. Next, it denotes happiness along with a sense of inner calm. Those like me who are into acting don’t only need to be fit, they also need to exude positive energy as well as look beautiful. So every time you see a beautiful face, remember there is a hard-working body behind it. I believe beauty comes from within, it’s never skin-deep. Though I feel fit and I’m happy with my professional as well as personal life, I must confess that I am a tad lazy when it comes to following a strict fitness regime.

Wake up bright

Sound sleep is my first priority and I leave the bed only when I am absolutely sure that I have completed my daily quota of sleep. My body clock follows a natural rhythm, which is why I am totally charged and refreshed when I open my eyes in the morning.

After a good wash and breakfast, I get started and remain active throughout the day. On most days, when I am shooting and I’m required to work till late at night, I go out for lunch with the team members shooting with me. After work, I return home. Once I’m back, I love listening to music or reading books because it helps me reorient myself as well as unwind. Later, I take a shower and retire.

Take life as it comes

Since Mumbai is now my second home, I keep shuttling between Calcutta and Mumbai. I have ensured that I have treadmills both in Mumbai and Calcutta, so that I do not miss my regular sessions. I try and spend 20 minutes on the treadmill every morning. Though I don’t maintain a home gym, I visit three different gyms in Mumbai, which are fully equipped and meet professional standards.

I have personal trainers and under their guidance I practise for more than an hour or so for two to three days a week. Apart from abs and cardios, my gym workout also comprises weight training. In fact, I stress on weight training. As I have already confessed, I am lazy and so I need a trainer who can force me to follow a regime.

In Calcutta, I don’t visit any gym or go for a swim in a public place. So out here, I miss swimming. Of late, I have realised that I should now give yoga a serious thought. May be in the near future, I might consider taking yoga lessons from a qualified professional. I have a feeling that yoga would suit me more. Fortunately, I am not obsessed with fitness and I prefer taking life as it comes.

As told to Sipra Sen Saha

Useful tips

If you are not into games or sports, go to a good gym where the trainer can guide you.

When you are young, work hard. Follow a fitness regime that suits you best and visit the gym at least three to four days a week. Walking and free hand exercises are good only when you are old.

Drink lots of potable water and eat fruits daily. There should be enough variety in your food and you should enjoy what you eat.

For happiness, concentrate on important things in life and make sure you find a way to relax. Sleep well, be active and think positive.

‘There’s something about food that goes beyond nutrition’

Junk food is a strict no-no:

I am not very fastidious when it comes to food. I am a non-vegetarian and eat out quite often but only at the best eating joints. I also enjoy dining out with my mother and friends.

For me, food is a very big incentive. I strongly believe that there’s something about food that goes beyond nutrition. I have often noticed that the very thought of good food makes me happy.

As far as my eating habits are concerned, I prefer meat to fish and I need my share of rice twice a day. Hand-made roti is incompatible with my system. Also, just like lean meat and chicken, red meat, too, suits me fine. I hate paneer but love curd. I make it a point not to overeat and I am not into junk food.

For breakfast, I generally take sprouted beans and papaya along with a piece of toast and eggs or some other fruits. I can’t start my day without a strong cup of tea ? with milk and a little sugar. At home, I take two to three cups of tea, but when I am shooting, I end up drinking seven or eight cups.

For lunch and dinner, I prefer rice and meat or fish and lots of vegetables. I like all kinds of fruits ? grapes, bananas and apples. I also drink a lot of water. My greatest strength, I feel, is that I know where to draw the line.