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Sonam Kapoor explains how she readied herself physically to play a real life achiever in “Neerja”

Sonam Kapoor Photo: K. Bhagya Prakash.

Sonam Kapoor is mighty excited about her upcoming film Neerja, which is based on the real-life story of Neerja Bhanot, the air-hostess who helped save 359 lives on board Pan Am Flight 73. The flight was hijacked at Karachi.

The actress feels that the film has an important message for everyone. “What I want is to make the nation aware of a courageous girl. Everybody needs to take inspiration from Neerja’s life,” says Sonam about the heroic personality of Neerja.

On the preparation that has gone into the role, she says, “It was only a matter of understanding the character – her personality and values. I also trained as an air hostess to do justice to this role.” The role also required Sonam to work on her fitness as air-hostesses need to extremely fit and mentally alert.

Sonam, who became an inspiration for her fans when she lost over 30 kgs for her debut film

Saawariya , always tries to promote a healthy lifestyle. Talking about fitness, she says, “My fitness mantra is health is wealth and I always adhere to it. If you have everything in life but are not fit, then all the hard work that you have put in your professional life will be meaningless.”

On her diet regime, Sonam says, “I don’t follow a strict diet but try to be as health conscious as I can. I try not to have fried and sweet food whenever it is avoidable but most importantly, I try to lead an active life.” Her workout routine includes walking and weight training. She also educates her fans on the risk of bone density diseases. “I like to walk whenever possible as it is the simplest thing one can do. I am also regular in weight training since it is very important for Indian women, as we are more prone to bone density diseases like osteoporosis because of lack of Vitamin D.”

Her recommendation for lazybones is interesting. “People should take the initiative to stay fit as fitness is a healthier way of living. The first step towards fitness is activity. For that, one needs to start by taking small steps. Literally. They should start walking and it would help them to rejuvenate their mind, body and soul. Then gradually head up. Do not try to over achieve. Try to grow steadily.”

She believes that being skinny doesn’t necessarily mean being healthy. Being fit and active is the definition of health.

“Eat and drink water regularly and most importantly, be happy.” The actor was recently in the Capital to promote a healthy lifestyle among youngsters through the event “Walk for health” hosted by Max Bupa.