Films or no films, Shilpa Shetty continues to attract crowds. The reason is not far to seek. Women see her as an ambassador of fitness and her male fans feel time has stopped for Shilpa. Perhaps, Shilpa understands it as well. “These are the people who continue to shower affection on me despite not having appeared in a film for the last nine years,” says Shilpa on the sidelines of an event announcing her as brand ambassador for Yakult Danone, a probiotic drink.
Having essayed some memorable roles in films like Dhadkan , Phir Milenge and Life In a...Metro , doesn’t Shilpa miss acting with so many women-centric movies being made? “To be honest, I do not have time. Being full time mother and part time professional, keeps you really busy,” she quips. Welcoming such films, she says she too was offered such roles. “I refused as I felt it will put too much onus on me for the film’s success. I am not willing to take that risk either for the filmmaker or me.”
Emphasising that product endorsements are more than a commercial commitment, Shilpa, who in the past was reported to have refused to endorse for a fast food brand states, “I am very conscious and conscientious about what I endorse. Whatever I put my name to I make sure I can bring them to home to use.” Quick to perceive a sense of disbelief, she clarifies, “I am 100% sure of the things I recommend as I feel people look up to me so the sense of responsibility is far greater. I strictly believe in practising what I preach.”
Pleased at being repeatedly complimented for looks and fitness, a visibly pleased Shilpa, remarks with a twinkle in her eyes, “They are drawn by the fact that I still look young and agile – a spin off of following a strict health regime.”
A part of life
On a serious note, she explains that feeling good is vital and comes from being physically sound. “Exercise should not be a fad or seasonal. It should be understood and made a part of life. One must also take care of diet. I want people to become aware that a lifestyle modification is necessary and how one wants to age is directly proportional to the way you look and what you ingest.”
To this end, Shilpa says, she sticks to tried and tested methods including yoga, strength training, pain management and eating nutritious food.
Recommending everyone to start immediately, especially the women, she says waiting till the fag end of life is of no use. “With more women opting to work outside home, this is essential. With commitment to family, children and work, they usually tend to be negligent about self. This is gradually changing but women must realise that playing a pivotal role at home they should never reach a stage when they need a doctor.”
This awareness goes a long way in bringing up children too. “This knowledge helps to know the ill-effects of aerated drinks and ready made and junk food and avoid them. I wonder why can’t we serve traditional healthy snacks and drinks like nimbu pani, lassi and milk,” says Shilpa, who has authored “The Great Indian Diet”. Now she is all set to write another book on Indian recipes.
Going back to change in lifestyle, she cites her case after becoming a mother. “Motherhood is glorious. The biggest change that I underwent is that I stopped eating after 8 p.m. Now I am strict about what to put into the body, when to put it and when to stop. The key is to start with a big breakfast as morning workload of getting food ready and ensuring children and husband leave in time is strenuous. Follow this with a good portion of lunch and have a small bite during tea, it could be nuts but finish your meals with children by 8.”
Sign of insecurity?
Agreeing that motherhood changes a person, Shilpa does not feel there is anything wrong with women trying to get back to shape after child birth. Revealing that she herself did not lose weight for seven months, she feels that this perhaps stems from an insecurity. “The physical change makes one less confident and makes one wonder if the husband will continue to love, the way he used to.” Having said that, Shilpa argues, “It is not about sheer looks but also understanding that gaining too much weight hampers your life. I am least bothered about weight as long as one is fit. The crux is whether one can do push ups, surya namaskar and climb stairs without huffing. Fitness is defined by what you can do with your weight.” As a parting shot, she adds, “this holds true for both women and men.”
