How I keep fit

How often do you exercise?

About five times a week, irrespective of how hectic my schedule is. Even on my shoots away from home, I carry weights and do some lifting in the make-up van. But if I8217;m home, I spend about an hour and twenty minutes gymming.

How long have you been exercising?

I8217;ve been doing it off and on for about 10 years. But my exercise regime has varied with the kind of role I8217;m shooting for. For instance, in Umar, my role was that of a Mumbai University student who goes to London on a scholarship, and I had to appear lean. So to get that look, I only did cardio, jogging and push-ups.

What kind of a diet do you follow?

I eat everything, but I avoid oily food as much as I can. But I am fond of spicy food, so I indulge a couple of times in a week.

Any kind of diet that has worked wonders for you?

I never go on a crash diet, but just to cleanse my system, I sometimes follow a 40-day pure vegetarian or protein diet. It rejuvenates me. And of course I alter my eating habits to beef up if a role demands it.

What is your favourite meal of the day?

It8217;s got to be lunch, because you can afford to eat all you want and it gets digested through the day.

Which part of your body would you rather show off?

I8217;m not so much into that. I haven8217;t really been doing roles that require me to show off my body except in Charas, where I had to walk around topless. I had to look bulky, so I worked on toning up my upper body.

What works as an instant booster?

Black coffee.

AS TOLD TO AMETA BAL