Anusha Mani On Her Musical Journey, PCOS & More

wfteam

3 years ago

Anusha Mani is an Indian female playback singer who works actively in the Bollywood film industry.

Her big break came in 2007 when Shankar Mahadevan of Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy offered her the chance to sing the track Dhoka from Johnny Gaddaar after listening to an album she’d appeared on. She has since then worked on about six albums with the trio to date. She had also sung and written the track Dil Mein Jaagi from the Dev.D, which won Amit Trivedi the National Film Award for Best Music Direction. She also does concerts for musicians.

Catch Anusha Mani in conversation with WF President, Ms. Namita Nayyar on her journey, love for music, diet, lifestyle!

Ms. Namita Nayyar

Anusha, you learnt Carnatic music in childhood and then shifted to working as a playback singer in Bollywood, how would you describe your journey?

Ms. Anusha Mani

My journey happened purely through divine intervention. Learning music was mandatory in the house but I never intended on taking up music professionally. I met Amit Trivedi through a college friend and started singing for jingles, chorus etc. One thing led to another and here I am.

Ms. Namita Nayyar

You have worked with Shankar Madhvan, how was your experience working with him?

Ms. Anusha Mani

Working with Shankar ji has been magical. I don’t think I would be the artist I am without being in his presence. The way he guided me in a recording or a live show taught me a lot. His talent, his humility and the way he treats everyone is truly inspiring.

FULL INTERVIEW ON NEXT PAGE!

This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar, President womenfitness.org and should not be reproduced, copied or hosted in part or full anywhere without an express permission.

Ms. Namita Nayyar

Who is your biggest inspiration in the music industry, whose career graph you would like to follow?

Ms. Anusha Mani

There are many many artists I look up to & feel inspired by . That said, I truly believe we’re all in our respective journeys with ups and downs written for us. I respect my journey, what’s meant to come my way and cherish my ups and downs cause that is my own story.

Ms. Namita Nayyar

What is your favorite type of music, one type of music genre you really dread to perform?

Ms. Anusha Mani

I don’t have one favorite genre. As an artist, I gravitate towards many different styles of music and I don’t perform anything that I am not decently confident of pulling off.

Ms. Namita Nayyar

Women Fitness India talks about celebrity diets and workout routines. Do you follow any particular diet? Your favourite cuisine?

Ms. Anusha Mani

I don’t like the idea of dieting. It’s too restrictive and I’ve learnt that everything in moderation is the best way to have consistency in my eating habits. What I practice is eating until I am satisfied and respecting my body for functioning well in order for me to carry out my day to day life.

My favorite cuisine is Italian and I also love sushi.

Ms. Namita Nayyar

You have openly embraced having PCOS, what played a pivotal role in managing it? Also 2 myths you would like to bust about PCOS.

Ms. Anusha Mani

There are three things I did consistently for over a decade. Ate nutritious food and cut out foods like gluten and dairy that didn’t suit me, I worked out regularly and managed my stress levels and it really helped.

Two myths I would like to bust are

1. PCOS can’t be reversed or treated, cause in my own experience it totally can.
2. You need to have birth control pills or medication for life to treat PCOS. I stopped medication a month into being diagnosed and researched alternate ways to combat it and it worked.

Ms. Namita Nayyar

You mentioned that you practice Pilates, your favourite Pilates exercises? How many times in a week do you train?

Ms. Anusha Mani

I’ve trained in Pilates for many years with celebrity trainer Radhika Karle. She really helped me change my perception of fitness and introduced self love into my life. I also do weight training, kickboxing and HIIT workouts. I don’t have one favorite exercise. As long as I move, I am happy.

Ms. Namita Nayyar

During the current scenario, how are you coming up with your mental and physical wellness?

Ms. Anusha Mani

For physical fitness I’ve made sure I spend 20-40 mins working out at home. I bought resistance bands and dumbbells last year and have committed to taking care of my body. Mental wellness is more intricate. It’s so many things like surrounding myself with uplifting people, music, family, reading good books and contributing to the society in small ways. I’ve also noticed that working out makes me feel good mentally and that is one of the main reasons I make time for it.

Ms. Namita Nayyar

The message you would give for Women Fitness India readers on prioritizing their health and having an active lifestyle.

Ms. Anusha Mani

Times are difficult and we don’t have any control over the way life is panning out. The only thing we can control is our own health and state of mind. We have a responsibility towards ourselves, to nurture what nature has given us, to take care of ourselves, and be the best version that we can be. Being physically active and eating nutritious foods have known to have a positive impact on the state of mind and keeping illnesses at bay. Invest a little time every day into yourself, you won’t regret it.

Ms. Namita Nayyar

Any tips for women to manage PCOS and weight?

Ms. Anusha Mani

Definitely consult a good doctor, someone who’ll not just prescribe pills but work with you on a more deeper wholesome level. I’ve also learnt that constantly weighing yourself on a scale does more harm than good. Stick to a good lifestyle, be consistent, be happy and the weight will take care of itself.

Ms. Namita Nayyar

Haircare and skincare routine you follow with PCOS?

Ms. Anusha Mani

I realized that skin and hair issues are a result of my body internally being unhappy. I’m a strong believer in good gut health. I just use sulfate and paraben-free shampoo and conditioner. I have a simple 3 step skincare routine with medical-grade high-quality products which my dermatologist curated for my personal needs.

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This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar, President womenfitness.org and should not be reproduced, copied or hosted in part or full anywhere without an express permission.