Bollywood films are bursting with bright colors and intricate dance numbers, with the infectious charisma of Bollywood’s leading actresses delivering iconic performances. It is no surprise that Indian cinematography is recognized world-wide, with fans tuning in to blockbusters on every continent. These Bollywood actresses are not only leading ladies in the movies, but also focus on their fitness, setting a great example for fans.
Bollywood, like India itself, has been growing in power and influence over the past few decades. In a country of over 1.2 billion people, celebrities hold a great deal of influence on trends and social life. And no one is more visible than Bollywood actresses, putting them in a unique position to promote a healthy lifestyle.
The HFR founder and HarperCollins author of the fitness book ReSYNC Your Life, Samir Becic had this to say about the movie stars on this list: “Bollywood’s fittest actresses don’t only represent a woman in a leading role, but also India’s obsession with healthy lifestyle and fitness that has culminated over the last 10 years. That is why these actresses are excellent ambassadors of a healthy lifestyle, not only on the Indian subcontinent, but rather for the entire world. Bollywood is becoming a second Hollywood.”
Deepika Padukone
- Exercises by walking, Pilates, dancing
- Enjoys yoga in the mornings as well as hands-free exercises
- Eats healthy regularly
- Likes to modify south Indian foods with healthier alternatives
Priyanka Chopra
- Takes care of her skin by drinking lots of water and moisturizes daily
- Lover of fruits, vegetables, coconut water and steamed entrees
- Not a gym-aholic, prefers to keep it simple with yoga and strength training
- Likes fresh home-cooked meals
Sonam Kapoor
- Lost 77 pounds for her role in Saawariya with Pilates and yoga
- Focuses on cardio and weight training to get toned
- Enjoys jogging, swimming and dancing
- Consumes a high protein low-fat diet and 5-6 small meals a day
Anushka Sharma
- Loves to incorporate cardio through dancing, jogging and walking
- Meditates both morning and night for inner peace
- Avoids oily processed junk and consumes a variety of healthy foods
- Advocates that sleep is essential for energy and health
Parineeti Chopra
- Overweight when she began her career in Bollywood
- Lost weight through intense workouts and a healthier diet
- Exercise regimen includes jogging in the morning, meditation, doing yoga for an hour, swimming and horse riding, running on the treadmill, dancing, and regular cardio
- Cut back on consumption of pizza and other junk foods
- Prefers to eat dinner 2 hours before bedtime
- Started the day with jogging
Shilpa Shetty
- Follows a strict diet for 6 days and enjoys 1 cheat day each week to indulge cravings
- Works out 5 days a week
- Practices yoga for 2 days, strength training for 2 days, and cardio for 1 day
- Meditates after yoga to alleviate stress
- Lost 20 kg (~44 pounds) after gaining weight during pregnancy following a dedicated exercise and diet regime
Bipasha Basu
- “I want to live fit and healthy for 100 years.”
- Follows a very strict diet and workout routine
- Has released fitness DVDs
- Eats everything except red meat and rice
- Encourages her family and friends to get fit
- “My philosophy in life is, ‘love yourself’. Exercise is like an investment; it not only helps you look good and stay healthy, but also improves your efficiency.”
- She gave up her junk food fetish
- Eats egg whites, steamed fish, nuts, green tea and high in fiber vegetables
Alia Bhatt
- Shed 16 kg (~35 pounds) in 3 months for a movie role
- Follows a low-carb, high-protein diet, including foods like yogurt, oats, salads, and fresh fruits
- Excluded junk food, refined flour, and sugar
- Goes to the gym 3-4 times a week for workouts such as running, weight training, cycling, kickboxing, swimming, and dancing
- Also does yoga
- Detoxifies her body
- Drinks herbal tea without sugar
Lara Dutta
- Avid follower of yoga
- Vegetarian
- Eats 5 meals a day
- Believes that “there are no shortcuts for a healthy body”
- Works out for an hour 5 days a week
- Workout routine involves cardio, strength training, and yoga
- Launched her own fitness DVD called H.E.A.L
- Snacks on raw fruits and vegetables
- Takes vitamin C and flaxseed oil for her glowing skin
Neha Dhupia
- Works out 6 times a week, doing a mixed program of cardio and weight training
- Does yoga 2 to 3 times a week
- Plays squash and swims
- Follows a strict and healthy macrobiotic diet, consisting of mainly organic foods without any preservatives
- Prefers home cooked food
- Prefers dinners before 8 pm
- Stays away from oily foods and red meat
