Exercise

My schedule is erratic as I travel a lot; nonetheless I work out as consistently as I can. I have the best trainer in the world, Zarine Watson, who is responsible for making me look my best right now. She has a personal training studio where we are forever trying out new exercise routines and machines. We do weight and strength training three times a week on different body parts, then there is circuit training called Tabata once a week, functional training and of course there is lots of cardio thrown in as well. Once a week, I also do ATS (altitude technology systems), which is training on the elliptical with an oxygen mask. All in all it’s a solid combination of weight training and cardio 4-5 times a week.

Whenever I travel abroad, I walk a lot and avoid cars as much as possible. Since I have lived in Paris and London most of my life, I walk incredibly fast. Unfortunately in Mumbai we are dependent on cars because you can’t really walk anywhere.

Diet

I eat every few hours to keep my metabolism going and to make sure I don’t stay hungry. In fact I am known for traveling everywhere with an ice box of cut fruit, and a hamper of hi-fibre bars and dry fruit! I’m a big foodie but I don’t like rice, fried food or junk food (wafers, vada pao) much, so that definitely helps. I can indulge in everything from cheesecake to rasmalai, sondesh, tiramisu and any form of chocolate dessert as I have a sweet tooth.

I begin my day with ginseng or green tea and a few almonds soaked over night. I then have a few cubes of either musk-melon or papaya followed by egg whites and a slice of multigrain bread. I am a vegetarian every Friday so that’s my porridge day!

Lunch is chicken and different salads at least 5 times a week. My mum is an awesome cook and she has trained my cook so well that the food never gets boring! Once or twice a week we have desi khaana which is nachini roti with daal, sabzi and maybe a chicken dish. In this hot weather curd is also really important. On a ‘cheat’ day I love to go to Royal China for steamed dim sums!

Dinner is always my lightest meal. It’s either a chicken and vegetable soup or steamed fish and sautéed vegetables. On vegetarian days I stick to soup and steamed veggies.

In between meals include a protein shake, peanut butter and toast or a small grilled chicken sandwich, 2 portions of fruit like apple or pomegranate and if I am really hungry at night I have a small piece of cheese. Eating is all about finding the right balance. You need to fuel your body but also burn that fuel. I don’t believe in fad diets or starvation. Your body needs to have carbs, fats and protein but in the right quantity.!

Mind

I think exercising is a great stress-buster as is any form of dance so I make sure these things are a huge part of my life. I also love listening to music, watching romantic comedies, reading and above all catching up with friends over a good meal. There is nothing more wonderful than having a good, hearty laugh with friends and loved ones.

I also love going to the spa for a massage and indulging in water sports whenever I can! The best way to relax and unwind is to take a holiday. If I am traveling abroad for work I try to extend my trip by a day or two so that I can enjoy and explore a foreign city. It’s amazing how a change of scene can make you feel so refreshed!

I am a workaholic and could work 24/7 without complaining. It’s what I love most. However I have realised that to give your best to your work, you need to indulge in some time for yourself where you can relax, unwind and gather all your positive energy. At least once a week I try and go out for a salsa night, which is great exercise and fun. Whenever I can, I take a belly dancing or a hip-hop class. I enjoy being as active as I can and I love learning new things!

Spirituality

Spirituality is more important to me than religion because before we decide to follow rituals it is important to have a good, pure heart and mind. I was born into a religion, which I respect and understand. Above all, however, I believe in a Supreme Being and feel that we should all be able to connect with that being in our own individual manner. I have a one-on-one relationship with God and have conversations in both good and bad times. I pray whenever I feel the need to because I don’t believe you become a better person just by praying more. Your intention is most important and to me, my religion is an extremely personal matter. Ever since I was a kid I have been brought up to love and respect all religions and feel equally comfortable in a church, temple or mosque, anywhere in the world.

I am a voracious reader and love reading everything from inspiring autobiographies like Richard Branson’s ‘Losing My Virginity’ to Paul Coelho’s ‘Alchemist’ and positive self help books like ‘The Secret’ and ‘The Power of Now’. I believe that ‘The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dream, but dreams only come true when you are awake and making them come true'!