Veggie Hero

‘‘When I was eight, I just got put off by the smell of beef being cooked for my brother,’’ he says. ‘‘Think about the hygiene of these artificially fattened animals and you’re sure to give up meat,’’ he adds.

Also, the fact that humans don’t have short alimentary canals (like carnivorous animals) and no incisors either have convinced Jackie that we are meant to be vegetarians. ‘‘Meat and fish per se have no taste whatsoever. The flavour comes from the masala, so why should I be a non-vegetarian? And isn’t the elephant the strongest animal and doesn’t he live on grass?’’

Without missing a beat he continues, ‘‘I’ve always believed that illnesses begin either in the mind, lungs or stomach. It is important that bheje ko shaant rakhna chahiye.’’ The actor says one of the most important tools for this shaanti is breathing right. ‘‘I put my hand on my belly button and breathe deeply for half an hour at least. I find that it completely energises and relaxes me.’’ Also, playing with his two children, driving and listening to music—all go a long way in keeping his mind calm. As do yoga and long brisk walks.

Food also plays a very crucial role in keeping him healthy.

He begins his day with four glasses of hot water, a glass of carrot juice and a glass of bhindi ka paani (split okras soaked overnight in water), and a banana. An early lunch consists of dal-chawal, bajra and jawar rotis, kadhi and a bhaji. ‘‘Onions and green chillies are excellent accompaniments, tasty as well as healthy,’’ he says. When hungry, he munches on bhuttas and drinks endless cups of jasmine tea and water the whole day.

But this doesn’t mean that Jackie doesn’t have his weaknesses. He is a chocoholic and not an anonymous one at that. But he does try to ensure that his kids eat right and do the mandatory hour of yoga each morning.

‘‘Please don’t forget to write that yoga should be introduced in every school and made compulsory,’’ he says vehemently. ‘‘Kids should be banned from drinking soft drinks and instead of being made to learn the history of Columbus, they should be taught healthy living. After all, they are the future, baba,’’ he drawls.