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‘Glad to be of help’

TV stars, most of whom will be part of the promo for the Prime Minister’s World Yoga Day initiative

For World Yoga Day, the government has roped in popular TV stars to participate in a promo that is being aired on TV. Even ones not part of the promo talk about why they support World Yoga Day. We speak to Karan Mehta of Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, Deepika Singh of Diya aur Bati Hum, Saumya Tandon of Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai and ‘Naked Yoga Guru’ and former Bigg Boss contestant Vivek Mishra about the promo and the importance of yoga in their lives.

Deepika Singh: A stickler for Surya Namaskar

Deepika Singh is glad that she was approached to be part of the campaign. “I have been an ardent yoga practitioner and there’s nothing better than such initiatives to put forth the importance of yoga in one’s life,” she says.

“Not everyone has the time to do yoga and also, people aren’t aware about the importance of being regular with yoga and its benefits for the body. So through this campaign, my aim is to make people realise the importance and the benefits of yoga so that, like me, they too can stay fit and have a healthy body and mind.”

Deepika says that she is a stickler for Surya Namaskars. “Even though I am shooting and my schedule is pretty hectic, I make sure I do at least a few asanas even if it means that I have to wake up earlier than usual. Yoga helps me stay fit as a fiddle. I don’t get much time, but I try to fit it in my daily routine and I highly prioritise my fitness.

“I do 50 Surya Namaskars every day. It works wonders for me. I have been doing Yoga for a really long time.” “On World Yoga Day, though I will be shooting, I will make sure that I reach out to all my fans on my social networking page to spread the message about the importance and benefits of yoga.”

“Yoga is not only a physical activity, it is also for the mind and soul. It relaxes you and also gives you a better way of life,” she says.

Saumya Tandon: ‘Yoga is a part of my life’

I have been practicing yoga for a long time. I do Surya Namaskars before my workout as a cardio warm up. Apart from that I do Kapalbhati and Anulom-Vilom almost regularly.”
Saumya says that Surya Namaskar is her favourite Asana. “It’s a great form of cardiovascular exercise,” she says, adding, “If done slowly, it’s good for toning, flexibility and relaxation. I also like Tibetan Yoga. The five Tibetan rites are magical and are the secrets of the long and youthful life of the Lamas.”

“I have learnt Yoga from various people and over the years I have realised that it’s very important to learn from the right guru. Doing yoga wrong can harm. Many people end up having back pains and knee troubles if their postures are not correct,” she adds. She feels that everyone should incorporate yoga in their day-to-day lives. “I have experienced benefits from Kapalbhati and Anulom-Vilom. These two kriyas are good for relaxation, treating respiratory disorders and also toning abdomen muscles.”

About TV stars being approached by the government for World Yoga Day, she says, “TV stars become a part of everyday lives of crores of people in India. I think it’s a great medium to reach out to millions.”


Vivek Mishra: ‘It’s great to inspire the world’

Nude Yoga Guru” and former Bigg Boss contestant Vivek Mishra says that it is an honour to participate in the event initiated by none other than the Prime Minister. “It’s definitely an awesome feeling when you are approached by the government to perform and inspire others,” he says.
“I was contacted by a channel to do live yoga as I was doing a yoga show with them. I will also conduct yoga at the venue with Mr Modi.”

He adds that there is no political agenda behind his agreeing to be part of the initiative. “I have no political inclination. People can benefit from what I am doing. I have no agenda.
“Yoga is a way of living a healthy and content life. It has benefited me so I want everyone to get inspired and start practicing it,” he says. Vivek, whose favourite asana is the Bhujang Asana, adds, “I practice yoga every day for an hour and 10 minutes. It has been 12 years that I have been practicing yoga.”

Karan Mehra: ‘A big deal for me’

Karan Mehra, who was roped in for the promo for World Yoga Day by Star Plus, is excited as this is the first time he is a part of such an initiative. “Being associated with a campaign that is promoting a healthy lifestyle is something I am really looking forward to,” he says.

About why he agreed to be a part of the campaign, he says, “Because the campaign is backed by our Prime Minister and also because it is pretty unique. “My wife Nisha and I get up early and do Pranayam and a few other asanas every morning. That way we have a peaceful mind throughout the day and we also manage to stay fit and healthy. For us yoga is all about leading a healthy lifestyle.”

About why one should incorporate yoga in their daily lives, He says, “Yoga is an all-rounder when it comes to matters of health. A healthy body and a healthy mind make sure you live longer and in peace. I personally believe in this and hope that through a little effort from me, a larger message is conveyed.”

Usually, film stars are roped in for such campaigns. Asked how he felt about TV stars being approached this time, he says, “It’s true that such campaigns usually have bigger faces, but TV has a lot of reach and so through this medium and our collective efforts, this campaign can be a huge success.”

( Source : deccan chronicle )
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