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Tamannaah Bhatia gives a peek into her diet, fitness, and morning routine: ‘I’ve learned that a woman’s body is constantly evolving’

‘I’ve always had a growth mindset, even as a child. I was quite existential at a very young age – at 13, I was already asking myself who I was and what my purpose was. That desire to become more than I was never left me; it only grew with time,’ the Sikandar Ka Muqaddar actor said.

Tamannaah Bhatia, Tamannaah Bhatia interview, Tamannaah Bhatia Ghafoor, Tamannaah Bhatia fitness routine, Tamannaah Bhatia dietMost of the challenges of being an actor are well known, but what truly stands out is how visible your life becomes, said Tamannaah Bhatia. (Photo: Tamannaah Bhatia/Instagram)

Tamannaah Bhatia has been in front of the camera since she was a teenager, and over these years, the desire to grow and become more of what she is “only grew with time”. Best known for her performances in Lust Stories 2, Baahubali: The Beginning, and Stree 2, Bhatia admits that while her journey came with intense highs and very low lows, her “family was my constant safety net.”

In an exclusive email interview, Tamannaah Bhatia, recently seen in the groovy number Ghafoor from The Ba***ds of Bollywood, opens up about her career, life as an actor, diet, workouts, morning rituals, and why she is not a fan of many New Year resolutions.

Read the edited excerpts below:

Q. You have been in the limelight since you were a teenager. If you look back now, is there anything you wish had been different?

Tamannaah Bhatia: If I look back, of course, there are moments where I might feel things could have been different – there’s always that instinct to wonder if you could have done something another way. But honestly, everything that went my way and everything that didn’t became an essential part of my journey – those experiences are what allow me to function at the level I do today.

For instance, when we had to shoot Ghafoor in just one day because that was the only window we had, what truly helped me pull it off was nearly 20 years of recording songs across South Indian cinema. All those days that weren’t easy – the times I worked relentlessly, struggled, adapted, and learned to make things work – those moments mattered. I learned steps on location, figured things out on the spot, performed even when I didn’t fully understand how something should translate on camera, and constantly watched myself, corrected myself, and pushed through to finish the job.

That cumulative experience is precisely why I don’t think I would change anything, even if I had the option. Those challenges shaped me and made possible some of the most incredible and memorable moments I get to live today. So for that reason, I would keep everything exactly as it is.

Q. However, has being an actor – with all its highs and lows –shaped you mentally in ways that guided you toward growth or self-discovery?

Tamannaah Bhatia: I’ve always had a growth mindset, even as a child. I was quite existential at a very young age – at 13, I was already asking myself who I was and what my purpose was. That desire to become more than I was never left me; it only grew with time.

The journey came with intense highs and very low lows, but my family was my constant safety net. That stable support kept me grounded and helped me navigate the extremes. Building my career brick by brick made me resilient, independent, and self-reliant.

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Over time, those highs and lows also taught me detachment – the understanding that nothing lasts forever. Success never went to my head, and setbacks never broke me. That balance is what has shaped how I think, work, and live today.

 

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Q. You also set fitness goals. What does your daily workout plan entail? In a similar vein, what does your diet look like?

Tamannaah Bhatia: I’m pretty intuitive about both my fitness and my diet. Since I’ve been into fitness for a long time, I’ve learned that a woman’s body is constantly evolving, so I adjust as I go rather than follow anything rigid.

Workout-wise, I focus primarily on strength training, balanced with cardio. I dance a lot, which has become my most enjoyable and organic form of cardio, and on days when I want something gentler, I go for long walks – which I’ve surprisingly grown to love. I don’t push myself to the point of exhaustion anymore; I listen to my body and slow down when I need to.

Diet plays a significant role for me. I avoid dairy and gluten since they don’t suit me, though I do give in occasionally. A typical day starts with something like a moong dal chilla or eggs. Lunch is usually a protein with quinoa. For snacks, I keep it light – fruits like blueberries, a banana, or a couple of dates to curb sweet cravings. Dinner is again protein-heavy with vegetables, salads, and quinoa. Overall, I keep both my workouts and my food choices flexible, mindful, and intuitive – and yes, when the craving really hits, I do enjoy a slice of pizza.

Q. Do you have any morning rituals? What is the first thing you eat/do upon waking up?

Tamannaah Bhatia: My mornings are kept comforting and straightforward. As soon as I wake up, I start with a glass of water. After that, I usually have some soaked nuts – almonds, walnuts, and black raisins – along with a bit of fruit. Then I have my dry cappuccino, which honestly brings me so much joy and feels like a little ritual in itself. On some days, though, it’s all about the mood – I switch the coffee for a cup of chai, which I love just as much.

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Tamannaah Bhatia, Tamannaah Bhatia fashion, Tamannaah Bhatia interview, who is Tamannaah Bhatia My personal style is what I’d call casual glamour. It’s dual in nature – I love glamour, but never at the cost of comfort, said Tamannaah Bhatia. (Photo: PR handout)

Q. The most challenging thing about being an actor is often not discussed.

Tamannaah Bhatia: Most of the challenges of being an actor are well known, but what truly stands out is how visible your life becomes. Even the smallest moments – like an off day or a bad hair day – are out in the open. That level of visibility means there’s very little room for mistakes or quiet days, because everything gets noticed and discussed.

That said, it also teaches you resilience. Over time, you learn to take it in stride, grow more confident in who you are, and accept that this visibility comes with the privilege of doing what you love. Making peace with it becomes part of the journey, and it ultimately helps you develop a stronger sense of self and perspective.

Q. Any resolutions for 2026?

Tamannaah Bhatia: I don’t know. I’ve never really made or successfully executed any resolutions, so I don’t have any thoughts about resolutions as of now.

Q. No conversation with you will be complete without discussing fashion. To begin with, could you tell us about your outfit today and how it resonates with your personal style?

Tamannaah Bhatia: I’ve always been drawn to a balance between fluidity and structure – I’m very much about meeting in the middle. That’s why my collaborations with Falguni and Shane Peacock at Blenders Pride Fashion Tour feel so instinctive. What we create together is always edgy yet fluid, and this look was exactly that. It had a beautifully structured bodice, but the cut-outs and flow added movement and ease, making it feel alive rather than rigid.

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Whenever I wear Falguni and Shane, I feel like they truly understand my personality and translate it seamlessly into their designs. The result is something that makes me feel comfortable, confident, and entirely at ease in my own skin.

My personal style is what I’d call casual glamour. It’s dual in nature – I love glamour, but never at the cost of comfort. I always try to soften glamorous looks with relaxed, effortless elements, and that balance really defines how I like to dress.

Q. How does it feel to be part of the Blenders Pride Fashion Tour?

Tamannaah Bhatia: I’ve been associated with Blenders for a while now. I was part of it last year as well, and I genuinely love the format. I really enjoy the concepts they come up with each year. What excites me most is how they consistently challenge existing fashion norms and push the envelope with fresh ideas. Every year, I look forward to seeing what new direction they take, and this time, the concept of showcasing ‘Futureverse of Fashion’ was especially striking and looked absolutely stunning.

Shweta Sharma is a highly experienced journalist and editor with over 16 years of industry experience. She currently spearheads the Lifestyle section at IndianExpress.com, where she oversees the content strategy and editorial direction for one of India’s leading digital news platforms. Professional Experience & Leadership  In her role as the sectional head, Shweta is responsible for curating a diverse range of content that resonates with a modern digital audience. Her extensive tenure in journalism reinforces her standing as a seasoned editor capable of managing complex lifestyle narratives, ensuring they meet the high editorial standards of The Indian Express. Expertise & Focus Areas  Shweta possesses deep authority across several lifestyle verticals. Her work directs the conversation on cultural and societal trends, with specific expertise in: Culture & Arts  Comprehensive coverage of the arts ecosystem, including music, literature (books), and visual arts. Health & Wellness  She has done rigorous reporting on well-being and health trends. Style & Living  In-depth analysis of fashion and style. Leisure  Curating experiences in Travel and Food, bridging the gap between luxury and accessibility. Trust & Credibility  As a Senior Assistant Editor, Shweta is a trusted voice in the lifestyle domain. Her reputation is built on a consistent output of high-quality, researched content that offers readers reliable information and nuanced perspectives on contemporary living. FIND ALL STORIES BY SHWETA SHARMA HERE ... Read More


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