Bollywood actress Vidya Balan, set to star in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, recently opened up about her remarkable weight loss journey, revealing that her transformation was achieved without any exercise.
Known for her impactful performances and graceful presence, Vidya discussed her struggles with weight management, body image, and the emotional impact of societal judgments.
In an interview with Galatta India, she shared the unique dietary approach that facilitated her transformation and the challenges she encountered along the way. Vidya has long grappled with weight issues, confessing, “You know, all my life, I have struggled to be thin. I have dieted and exercised like crazy, and sometimes, I would lose weight, and it would come back.”
Her breakthrough came when she connected with Amura Health, a Chennai-based nutritional group. They introduced her to a new perspective: identifying and eliminating foods that caused inflammation in her body. “They said, ‘It is just inflammation; it is not fat,’” she explained. Following their guidance, Vidya adopted an anti-inflammatory diet, which proved to be effective. She learned that not all foods, even those considered healthy, suit everyone. “I have been a vegetarian all my life, yet I didn’t know palak and doodhi (spinach and bottle gourd) don’t suit me,” she noted.
Vidya emphasized the importance of understanding one’s unique dietary needs. “We think all vegetables are good for us, but that is not the case. You have to figure out what’s good for you, as what works for someone else may not work for you,” she said.
Another pivotal aspect of her journey was her decision to stop exercising altogether. Previously, she maintained an intense workout regimen, but Amura Health encouraged her to take a break. “They asked me to stop working out,” she shared. This unconventional advice challenged her beliefs, as she admitted, “Even I would not have believed last year if I had been told ‘Stop working out.’ I used to be a beast in the gym.”
Vidya’s experience has also transformed her views on body image and societal pressures. Labeled a “fat girl” during her career, she reflected on how this affected her self-esteem. “People used to call me fat, and that would hurt my self-esteem,” she recounted.
Today, Vidya feels healthier and more content than ever. “Now, people ask me, ‘So what are you doing?’ and I respond, ‘No, I don’t do anything. I am just enjoying myself and feeling healthier than ever,’” she said with satisfaction. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of self-acceptance and individuality in health. “I am not saying you should not exercise…but remember, no two people are the same; we must respect our individuality,” she concluded.
