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Anil Kapoor reveals he turned to reiki before shooting Taal climax to calm himself; know more about the Japanese ‘healing’ practice

Pronounced RayKee, “Rei” means divine or universal, and “Ki” means Life force

Anil KapoorAnil Kapoor spoke about reiki (Source: Anil Kapoor/Instagram)

He is a veteran, but even Anil Kapoor is not immune to anxiety. During a recent media interaction alongside Akshaye Khanna and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan on the occasion of their film Taal completing 25 years, the actor opened up about feeling anxious ahead of shooting for the movie’s climax shot. “In the morning, I woke up, and I told my wife, ‘I am not going. It’s a very long scene, and he (director Subhash Ghai) will give the lines at the last moment, and I want to do my best. It was 7 am… 8 am… I called Padmini Kolhapure to perform reiki on me. I was so stressed, so anxious, and nervous. She came, she did reiki on me,” he recollected.

Let’s understand what reiki is and how it is practised

Reiki, a “healing” practice, came from Japan and is based on personal experience and Eastern philosophy, but it is not limited to its origin. “Yes, the word is in Japanese. Pronounced RayKee, where ‘rei’ means divine or universal, and ‘ki’ means life force. Universal simply means that it is an energy found everywhere in the universe,” said Mansi Gulati, a face yoga and reiki practitioner.

Rediscovered by Mikao Usui in Japan, reiki is, however, a form of energy medicine and a holistic energy healing practice that goes beyond just physical relief—it is about restoring balance across physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual states, said Soma Chatterjee, internationally certified reiki master teacher and founder of Inner Wisdom Light.

According to Gulati, “Reiki energy comes out of the practitioners’ hands.” “Practitioners commonly transmit energy by placing the palms of their hands on clients or by holding their hands a few inches away from clients. Reiki can be transmitted over a distance, either short (you can give reiki to your feet without bending over) or long (reiki II practitioners can send reiki across a room, across town, across the state, and around the globe). Reiki can also be transmitted over a distance in time, forward or backward,” said Gulati.

When “reiki energy is channelled through the practitioner’s hands,” Chatterjee said it works to “clear blockages and release stress,” creating a profound sense of calm and holistic well-being. “This practice allows you to peel away the layers of unwanted stress and societal expectations, helping you reconnect with your authentic self and live a life that aligns with your core values,” said Chatterjee.

Here’s what to consider (representative) (Source: Freepik)

Gulati added that reiki “reduces stress quickly and safely.” “Reiki can reduce pain, tends to regulate blood pressure, and improves both digestion and elimination. You might say, reiki resets one’s biological defaults,” claimed Gulati.

While claiming that “it is a safe practice suitable for almost everyone,” Chatterjee said reiki might not resonate with those “deeply skeptical.” “Owing to reiki’s non-invasive nature, it works only if the recipient is open and willing to receive its pure, high-vibrational energy. This openness is key because reiki is not about forcing change or believing in magic; it is about allowing the healing energy to flow where it is needed most,” said Chatterjee.

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The practitioners also stress that reiki “is not a substitute for medical treatment” but rather a complementary approach that supports overall holistic wellness. “For those willing to explore its depths, reiki offers a beautiful and transformative path to living more authentically and harmoniously,” said Chatterjee.

Is it more of a superstition?

Gulati contended, “I genuinely believe in yoga, reiki, acupressure, and meditation. It is all about the flow of prana (energy) that we feel when we practice. It helps us become emotionally stable, mentally stronger, and physically super fit in all circumstances.”

While Chatterjee shared that she has “come across many who may dismiss reiki as a superstition,” she said, “I have also seen countless individuals worldwide who have experienced its benefits firsthand. In my transformative journey with reiki and energy healing, I have found that it helps find inner peace, purpose, holistic balance, and a greater connection to our true selves, making it a valuable complement to our overall wellness journey.”

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.

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Tags:
  • Anil Kapoor Anxiety mental health Padmini Kolhapure stress Subhash Ghai
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