Fitness is, more than anything else, a state of body and mind, which helps us perform with ease, comfort and grace. If you are fit, you don’t have to exert yourself to do things you need to or want to do; energy flows free from within and it reflects on your face too. In my profession, we need to look fit even when we are not so fit, and of course, we have to work harder to keep fit.

Often, I am required to work late into the night and this has turned me into a late riser. I would like to get up early but, at the same time, I also need to take my usual quota of rest. Though it depends on my day’s schedule, I usually get up at 9 am. I start off with a glass of water, followed by a cup of tea; I love tea. It takes me about an hour to finish breakfast and get started ? usually at about 10 am. Acting is not pure fun, it’s hard work too and at times, outdoor shoots can be very taxing!

I have my lunch at about 1 pm, and in the afternoon I drink tea with biscuits. I prefer to go to the gym in the evening. I don’t maintain a personal home gym and visit the Gold Gym in Bandra, a well-equipped international fitness outlet with all the state-of-the-art scientific equipment and gadgets, and a team of experts to guide me. Many other Bollywood stars also visit this gym. Binith Setthy, a trained professional, takes care of all my requirements. Hence, my workout regimen is tailor-made to my personal requirements. But I do a lot of abs, cardio as well as some weights.

On days when I need to put in more than 15-16 hours of work or I’m on a long outdoor shoot, I do a lot of stretching and go for simple free-hand exercises. On returning home, I take a shower and if it’s not too late, I take supper at about 11 pm. If it gets really late, I skip supper. Though I am familiar with yoga, I do not practise it regularly. I keep meaning to start, but somehow it never happens. Yoga has no age bar and perhaps it suits people in my profession better.

I don’t have a knack for sports, but I have been active and healthy all along. I am usually cool and I am also very spiritual; my faith keeps me positive, happy, satisfied and confident so that I am able to face any situation in life.

Cardinal rules of life

• Lead a simple life and take it easy

• Do not overdo anything ? be it workouts, eating or dieting. It’s unhealthy

• Be good to your near and dear ones and also to anyone you come across. That will keep you happy and satisfied and also contribute towards your physical and mental well-being

• Nurture a hobby and read good books

• Remember, your mind controls your body. So, through spiritualism or otherwise, try and keep your mind fresh.

With an eye on the calories

I prefer home-cooked food:

I am vegetarian and I gorge on vegetarian food. The variety of vegetables available in India provides all the nourishment the body needs. I love to have dalia or papaya for breakfast and usually have it on alternate days. I also relish other seasonal fruits. On most days, I have breakfast at around 9.30 am and have my lunch at about 1.30 to 2 pm. My lunch and supper are also simple: I like roti, dal, sabzi and salads. I usually prefer home-cooked food when I am working, and never party or eat spicy and oily foods.
I avoid junk food but I do love traditional goodies such as the sweets of Bengal — specially mishti doi or payesh (sweetened milk rice). I also eat chocolates occasionally but I don’t enjoy ice-creams. I am aware of the calories that I add by eating, or burn through workouts. I hate food items which cause more harm than good and have no nutritional value. Traditional Indian vegetarian food is usually tasty, healthy and wholesome, rich in food value and nourishing too, provided you do not overeat. Most non-vegetarian items — especially meat — have bad effects on your body.
I also drink three to five cups of tea daily. In the evenings, I love my masala chai that our maid makes. She is a very good cook and helps my mom in the kitchen.