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She’s in her 60s, but exudes the vibrancy and vivaciousness of a 16-year-old. Her ‘Nach punjaban’ moves in upcoming Bollywood film ‘Jugjugg Jeeyo’ are a proof that at 63, Neetu Kapoor works hard at staying and feeling fit. In a Health Shots exclusive interview, she talks about the importance of health and fitness in her life and how yoga is her go-to routine for mental peace.
After her husband Rishi Kapoor’s demise due to cancer over two years ago, Neetu Kapoor took some time to come to terms with her loss. But once she gathered herself, she was back to being her happy-go-lucky self.
Fit as a fiddle for her age, Neetu Kapoor says her daily exercise routine is something she never compromises on.
“I feel so uneasy if I don’t exercise. Sometimes, if I can’t exercise because I may be travelling, I do 20 Surya Namaskars. Or I walk at least 10,000 to 15,000 steps. Your body has to move! You have to look after it,” Neetu Kapoor tells Health Shots.
Even when she was down with Covid-19, she ensured she would exercise or at least meditate. She used to regularly do Pranayam, and be involved with at least an hour’s session of breathing exercises with her trainer via online classes.
Exercise, for Neetu Kapoor, is like praying to God.
“He has given you a good body. You can’t abuse it. You have to look after it. That’s your gratitude towards God. I don’t like to abuse my body, I like to look after it,” adds the actor, who has been associated with the film industry since decades.
Watch the actress indulge in breathing exercises with her daughter Riddhima Kapoor Sahni!
Fitness is a way of life for her and she’s conscious about it.
“I do my yoga, I do my walking, and I also do the treadmill to burn my calories. Somehow, all of this makes your face feel so fresh. If you are stressed, try to workout because it can make you feel good. You can just do Pranayam. In fact, whenever I am stressed, I do Anulom Vilom. That deep breathing, followed by meditation, makes you feel so fresh. Or just do Kapalbhati, which opens up your mind!” she gushes as she talks about her yoga favourites.
The mother of two and grandma of one believes people must give precedence to holistic wellness in whatever way it suits them.
“Even if you are obese, you can start slow and give yourself some months. But give yourself that time. You can’t just get tired and say, ‘Kuchh nahi ho raha!” Arre, hoga! One fine day, hoga… Don’t lose hope,” Neetu Kapoor says on a positive note, adding that life is all about helping yourself.
At the end of the day, as she says, “You can be a good 60 or a bad 60”.
“Age gracefully. Be a good 60! I am not skinny! If I lose too much weight, I would look too drawn. People must be realistic with their weight and with themselves. Everything is within you — your physical health, your mental health. You have all the answers. Only you have to listen to your body!”
Also, read: Neetu Kapoor opens up on dealing with loss and choosing to heal with happiness
Exercise and yoga apart, Neetu Kapoor is also mindful about her diet.
“I like to eat healthy things. I don’t starve to stay fit. I eat dal, subzi, chawal. Even if I go to a restaurant, I tend to order the good stuff and not what’s unhealthy. It’s how your mindset is. Even if you are 50 or 60, you can be healthy and fit… You don’t have to say, ‘Arre main 50 ki ho gayi hun…ab kya karna hai‘. There’s no age limit to health. You can be healthy at any age!”
Radhika Bhirani is a journalist with close to 15 years of experience in the Indian media industry. After writing extensively on health, lifestyle and entertainment, she leads the English content team at Health Shots. She has a special interest in writing on mental health and wellness. ...Read More
