Model, Actor & Athlete Sandhya Shetty On Why Fitness Is A Lifestyle

wfteam

6 years ago

Sandhya Shetty

Mumbai-born Sandhya Shetty has conquered the fashion industry and achieved a remarkable status with her incomparable physique and electrifying presence. But not only is she a stunning model and an actor, she also won the gold medal in Commonwealth Karate Championship in 2015.

With her roots strongly into fitness, lets share this supermodel, actress and athlete’s story from the lady herself: Sandhya Shetty!

NN:

As a Femina Miss India Finalist & Vatika Super Model 1st Runners Up, you have proven your mettle from the start. What drew you to join the modelling industry?

SS:

Modelling happened to me by chance, a Miss India entry sent during college for fun just got real and there I was in middle of the glitz and glamor of the fashion Industry. I was very competitive and also a fashionista, loved experimenting with clothes and looks and from hideous have grown into a Title of Diva. Childhood games of fashion shows and dance-drama got it’s place in the real world for me.

NN:

Apart from being a stunning model, you also won the gold medal in Commonwealth Karate Championship in 2015, which was your first international-level medal. When & how were you drawn to karate?

SS:

As a kid I loved sports and I was a track athlete with 100/ 200 Mts running and long jump. From there on I played kho-kho & kabbadi till state level and also volleyball. In college I was in the basketball team and did NCC army wing. My life always was parallel to sporting activities and finally while I was modelling and acting I started training for martial arts (karate) and after training vigorously for 14 years and fighting and winning multiple state and National championships, I finally got a international bout where I earned a Commonwealth gold medal in 2015 for India. A proud moment which probably was a substitute of my dream to be in the Army when I was in college. As a girl I was always told I was beautiful and intelligent and being strong was something I craved and today I am a very strong woman.

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.

NN:

How has Karate helped improve your lifestyle and health?

SS:

Fitness is a lifestyle and I believe so and strongly promote that too. Karate for me became the discipline and epitome of fitness, focus and grounded me to amazing level to cope with life in general. Karate made me believe to be strong, not only physically but mentally and spiritually. The strength that I gained physically made me more confident in my other professional arenas too. As a model a great body is a pre-requisite and karate just helped me stay fit and always stay ahead of the game. The focus of the fight before, while in it and post the fight is the true game changer and yes I fight to win, it is what my biggest lesson from karate is.

NN:

Five exercises that are a must for a Karate beginner?

SS:

A karateka has to have the art of basic stretching which is the most important. Running helps build stamina and endurance. Functional body weight training helps to balance body and posture while learning fighting technique. Push ups, squats and pull ups help a lot. Weight training helps strengthen the body which is very important for power and the execution of the technique with good strength. Meditation in any form helps to focus and even karate has kata which is like yoga or focus step movement which helps body balance and movement with great poise and grounding.

NN:

Your post workout meal?

SS:

Post workout body needs good amount of protien and water intake. My immediate meal is to have 2 bananas and some nuts. Then a quick small portion of boiled eggs with sauted vegetables is a quick fix. A good blend of oats, dryfruits, berries and milk sometimes post workout can really be a good energy booster.

NN:

Define Women Fitness. Why it is so important now, more than ever, for women to be more fitness conscious?

SS:

Women in the 21^st century have become multifaceted. They are not only taking care of household chores but also working in the outside world and earning their living and have strong social life. To cope up with all these multiple roles and the pressures one has to be physically fit and mentally strong. Fitness helps to stay fit and keep up with all the stress. Also in today’s time women are so self-reliant that they travel everywhere pretty much alone so they need to be strong to protect themselves. Fitness helps in staying fit and strong and also fitness includes self defence in today’s times which really is the need of the hour.

NN:

What do you like to snack on?

SS:

I like to snack on street food which is pretty unhealthy so to compensate the craving, the street food is recreated in the kitchen. This helps to satisfy the craving and also to stay fit. Smart snacking at all times is important to stay fit.

NN:

All-time favourite fitness icon?

SS:

My all time favourite fitness icon is Madonna. She has always been so fit and has such a great well toned body. I love her curves and I love her muscular look which is so appealing. Inspite of being a artist she has always taken care of her health and fitness and also promoted good healthy lifestyle.

NN:

Songs that are on the top of your workout playlist?

SS:

I love deep house and trance, Afrojack is something I listen to and also a lot of unplugged Bollywood songlist.

NN:

Your favorite makeup essentials?

SS:

My Ruby woo Mac lipstick, Dew the hoola Benefit liquid base and my Maybelline eye pencil is a must have in my bag. Apart from that my fragrance Issey Miyake is a must make up, which is the essence of my make up, to smell good at all times.

NN:

Share your skin & hair care routine?

SS:

My skin care and hair care is absolute basic and minimalistic. Hair gets regular head massages and spa treatment to repair hair from damage. And face before sleeping aloe-vera gel has to be applied everyday. The right diet is very essential part for good hair and skin and I pretty much focus on that too. Drink a lot of water, fruits every morning and a few nuts and berries. The most important to keep skin happy is to be happy and I smile and laugh a lot.

NN:

Sports is a much neglected field for women in India. Have things changed in the present scenario. Young girls & women should incorporate it in their lifestyle, how & why?

SS:

In any society change is important and that is the only constant.

Current sports scenario for women definitely has improved. Media really has a big role in generating awareness. Internationally our players are performing very strong and also government is taking more measures to provide and correct the existing facility provided to players and federations. Young India needs to be fit and a revolution in sports and fitness will bring a long-term change. Women have to take a foreground because they are the pillars of the family and play a key role in child bearing and upbringing. A fit mother will definitely inculcate fitness as a lifestyle and also the right eating habits which will infuse fitness as a daily lifestyle.

NN:

Best piece of advice you can give to upcoming models?

SS:

Modelling is a serious profession and it requires a lot of physical and mental discipline. A healthy lifestyle which promotes fitness and right diet is important. Beware of diet fads which cause health hazards and also substance abuse is a must watch. There is no substitute for hardwork and respect to time and people of utmost importance. Competition definitely should be healthy and encourage each other to deal with pressures of modelling world and avoid in negative engagements of slander against each other. Smile more and work more and be focussed on your career goals.

NN:

Future projects that you’re working on?

SS:

My future is definitely looking towards Bollywood and I have a good roadmap towards the same. Apart from that I am promoting women power through self- defence and awareness programme called “ No Fear” as a motivational speaker. When one receives in abundance the only way is to share and spread knowledge and awareness and in that process gain more knowledge and experience. Karate is my passion and I will continue training and fighting towards future competitions and bag some more medals. Future is focussed and happy.

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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.