On Yoga Day, Bollywood celebs reveal how yoga empowers them

Yoga can be a transformative experience for the mind, body and soul. This ancient practice has been increasingly adopted by celebrities and the common man alike to bring a sense of calm and balance in their life. On International Yoga Day, a slew of Indian entertainment celebrities who swear by this wellness practice, shared how yoga empowers them, and motivated others to introduce the power of yoga into their lives.

From Shilpa Shetty Kundra, Malaika Arora and Sameera Reddy to Masaba Gupta, Patralekhaa and Rakul Preet Singh – celebs hailed yoga for changing their lives in multiple ways.

Shilpa Shetty Kundra: “Make every breath count”

In a special International Yoga Day post, Shilpa Shetty Kundra, one of Bollywood’s earliest proponents of yoga, emphasized on how yoga helps people gain self control.

“When I practice yoga – my mind is in my control,” she said in a video message, accompanied by a post that read: “Every emotion is connected with the breath. If you change the breath and its rhythm with awareness, you can change the emotion. This Yoga Day, let’s make every breath count.”

Malaika Arora: “I don’t know where I would be without yoga”

Actor-performer Malaika Arora, who also co-owns a yoga chain, reflected on the profound influence yoga has had in her life. “Dear Yoga, I don’t know I tell you this enough… But if it wasn’t for you… I don’t know where I would be today,” Malaika wrote in a “gratitude post” on Instagram on the occasion of Yoga Day.

Masaba Gupta: “Yoga keeps me balanced, calm and happy”

Fashion designer and actor Masaba Gupta, who is expecting her first child, also wished everyone a Happy International Yoga Day. Masaba, who has undergone a fitness transformation over the years, highlighted the impact of prenatal yoga on her life these days.

“Prenatal yoga has been about unlearning and dropping old expectations of my body more than anything else. Learning to slow down, no major goals except keeping me and the little life growing inside me balanced, calm and happy. And it’s been far more challenging than acing my ‘kakasana’ because every day is different. I have to listen to my body instead of telling it what to do, like I have for many, many years. Gentle and mindful is the way. Lots of breath work, brahmari and deep shavasanas,” wrote the mommy-to-be.

Kubbra Sait: “Yoga has transformed me inside out”

For Sacred Games actor Kubbra Sait, yoga is discipline. “Yoga has transformed me inside out. The only form of discipline I got going, whether I was away shooting for Foundation in Ireland or recovering from an elbow injury, that had me go ‘urrrrghhhhhhhhh’. There are hours in the last few years when I’ve trained at home, at the studio, on the beach. I’ve had the opportunity to learn and absorb a lot of different little practices and tools from my teachers and guides to improve as I flowed along… Today I credit yoga most for giving me a physical sense of balance,” shared Kubbra, urging people not to forget doing Pranayama for peace and calm in life.

Sameera Reddy: “Start yoga at any age and phase”

On Yoga Day, actor Sameera Reddy stressed on the importance of introducing children to yoga at a young age. “Start them young! Yoga at any age & phase… Forever grateful for the balance it gives us. I am humbled with my practice and will continue to grow, heal and learn,” wrote Sameera.

Rakul Preet Singh: “Yoga is a state of bliss”

Newly married actor Rakul Preet Singh, who practices yoga religiously, joind forces with husband Jackky Bhagnani to display the power of couple yoga! “Together in wellness and all things beautiful. Happy International Day of yoga to all you lovely people. #FitTogetherStayTogether,” she wrote.

In a motivational message to her fans and followers, Rakul added: “Yoga is a state of mind, a state of bliss, a feeling of being one with yourself and the universe. Take baby steps towards a healthier you!”

Alaya F: “Yoga brings me strength, peace and focus”

Alaya F says yoga has become an integral part of her life. “I’m so grateful for all the strength, peace and focus it brings me! Whether I’m on holiday, on set or at home, for me, everyday is Yoga Day!”

Lakshmi Manchu: “Yoga helps me build deeper connections”

Actor-producer Lakshmi Manchu says yoga has been an incredible healing journey for her, “Through each breath and pose, I’ve found a deeper connection to myself and the world around me. It’s a practice that has brought immense peace, strength, and clarity, helping me navigate life’s challenges with grace and resilience. May this World Yoga Day inspire you to embrace the transformative power of yoga, discovering new dimensions of inner peace, joy, and well-being,” posted the actress.

Bollywood celebs urge people to take up yoga

Actors such as Neha Dhupia, Soha Ali Khan and Esha Deol also sent out message to propagate the importance of yoga.

“Practise your practise everyday… It’s never too early to start or too late to stop,” urged Neha, while Esha admits she is always happy and peaceful after a yoga message. Patralekhaa says she loves yoga as it “centers me”.

Sending out a quirky message, Soha wrote: “Do yoga because punching people is against the law!”