I was never prepared for such a hectic life. I was always the ordinary girl who was happy going to school and playing games in the gully with friends. I never thought I was going to become an actress. That also explains why I never took fitness very seriously before I actually found myself facing the arclights. Since the time I have joined films, I have been on my heels. And my schedules are so tight that I don’t get time for workouts.

I am not given to going crazy in the gym when my body needs rest. For the last two months, I have been working on night shifts. I have adopted a few simple methods to stay fit. I take one day off in a week and sleep for seven hours on an average. On waking up, I feel fresh and ready to take on the hectic work again. One plus point is that I enjoy my work thoroughly — which is why I never feel run down, even when fatigued.

I have a small gym at home. It’s the treadmill that I use the most. I also have a personal trainer who supervises my workouts. I must mention here that the way I look at any given time is dictated by the role I am performing then. I have long discussions with my directors on what my screen character should look like. My fitness regimen is tailored to suit that requirement.

There’s one soul I cannot miss out when I am talking about my fitness. That’s Tintin, my dog (a Labrador). Surprised? Well, after coming home at 2 am — dog-tired after a long day at the studios — what can be more refreshing than a warm lick on the face from your pet? It’s therapeutic. It’s wonderful. It takes away all my fatigue. Even if I work on a 24-hour shift, I would not miss playing with Tintin. It helps me recharge my batteries.

To me, my lifestyle is more important than working out in the gym. I can’t keep taxing my body for the right curves. It’s a machine too and if it’s not well oiled, it will just crash. For my machine, adequate rest and healthy eating are most important. Thanks to my family, especially my mom, I get enough of both.

Every morning I spend some time with myself — that is through prayer. I am a believer and I find immense joy in praying. In fact, I treasure those few moments. It gives me privacy and peace of mind. It’s not so much about religion as putting the mind at ease. Trust me, no amount of treadmilling or weightlifting can do that.

Apart from shooting for films, I also spend a lot of time on making world tours for which I have to attend dance rehearsals. That is also good exercise for me. While shooting outdoors, I check out the fitness centre in the hotels. If I find it good enough, I exercise there. Otherwise — and I have no qualms about admitting this — I just bunk the gym.

Rani’s food faves

uI have no strict diet outlines. I just avoid junk and never overeat. My mom is my food inspector. She gives me plenty of delicious grub at home, so why would I need to eat outside? All my food is cooked only in olive oil.

uFirst thing in the morning, I take a cup of tea with a little sugar and milk. Then it’s time for a few almonds — a habit that’s stayed since my schooldays. My breakfast is simple — either cornflakes and milk with toast or oats and milk. Occasionally, I take boiled eggs. If I ever skip breakfast, I tuck into some idlis at the studio.

uI avoid drinking water outside. But sometimes my mom will arrange for nimbu pani or some other fluid.

uLunch comes from home. By the way, I love eating rice. Don’t be astonished. I just can’t do without my bhaat. Even if it’s just a spoonful, it’s got to be rice. Usually I take chicken, bhindi and dal with the rice. I also take different kinds of salads.

uI love eating fish but I have my favourites. Fried fish is a favourite item. In fact, for dinner (which is usually at 9 pm) it’s mostly fish and rice. In between, I eat fruits. When it’s available, I help myself to mangoes after dinner. I love that fruit. On night shifts, I eat a couple of sandwiches. No eating rice at that time.

uAt parties, I skip dinner. Somehow, any kind of spicy food does not agree with my system. Even when I am eating in a restaurant, I stick to a few picks. I prefer Thai cuisine if I am eating out. Next comes pasta, which is filling and easy to digest. On rare occasions, I try out a tandoori or a Continental dish.

uI avoid creamy or sweet foods. Say once in a blue moon — on a family member’s birthday — I take little bites of cakes and pastries or a scoop of ice cream. But I never miss out on nalen gurer sandesh whenever I visit Calcutta.