An accomplished actor, successful entrepreneur, wellness influencer, and proud mother – Shilpa Shetty wears one too many hats, and does it exceedingly well. The Sukhee actor—well-known for her Sunday binge sessions—also advocates eating well without compromising nutrition.
In an email exchange, Shilpa opened up about her first brush with protein, the real challenge of staying on top of fitness, raising kids in a digital world, and not one, but two secrets shared exclusively with indianexpress.com.
Q. When were you first introduced to the importance of protein in your life?
Shilpa Shetty Kundra: I became conscious of protein fairly early in my fitness journey, because I realised that exercise alone isn’t enough. So today, protein is definitely a very crucial part of my diet. That said, I also want to emphasise that protein is only one piece of the puzzle.
You need a balanced diet: adequate protein, calcium, vitamin D, good fats, carbohydrates, micronutrients, and hydration, alongside strength training, cardio, mobility, and recovery. My awareness of protein has definitely increased with age, but so has my understanding that nutrition and exercise have to work together.
Q. How has your diet changed over the years? Have you been able to get your husband and kids to follow the same?
Shilpa Shetty Kundra: My diet has actually become less about restriction and more about understanding my body.
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Earlier, I was more focused on calories and what I should or shouldn’t eat. Today, I think much more about nourishment.
At home, I don’t believe in imposing one diet on everyone. I try to introduce my family to wholesome food and good habits, but there has to be room for enjoyment too. My kids should be able to enjoy a pizza or dessert without feeling guilty. I want them to develop a healthy relationship with food, rather than fear certain foods.
And as for my husband, let’s just say I’ve influenced him quite a bit!
Q. Your social media is filled with workout videos. Which is the most difficult one you’ve tried so far?
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Shilpa Shetty Kundra: Honestly, the difficult part isn’t a particular exercise – it’s consistency. Showing up on the days when you don’t feel like it is the real challenge.
I’ve tried some pretty demanding yoga asanas, strength-training movements, and inversions over the years. I love challenging my body, but I’m also much more conscious now about respecting its limitations.
There are always new things I want to learn. For me, the bucket list isn’t about doing something just because it looks impressive on Instagram. It’s about asking myself, ‘Can I become stronger, more mobile and more capable?’ That’s the challenge I enjoy.
Shilpa Shetty and her family. (Source: Instagram/@therealshilpashetty)
Q. Do you believe in gentle parenting or are you strict and have a disciplinarian’s approach?
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Shilpa Shetty Kundra: I’m a combination of both. I believe in gentle, but not permissive parenting.
Children need to feel heard, loved and respected, but they also need boundaries. I can be very patient, but when something is important, I’m definitely a disciplinarian.
I want my children to understand that actions have consequences and that kindness, respect and responsibility aren’t negotiable. My job isn’t to make them happy every minute. My job is to help them become good, independent human beings.
Q. With screentime taking over a lion’s share of our day, do you have a set routine to enjoy screen-free downtime?
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Shilpa Shetty Kundra: Absolutely. We live in a world where technology is part of our lives. But I do believe in boundaries.
We have times when phones and screens need to be put away, particularly around meals and bedtime. I also believe children need to experience boredom – because that’s often when imagination begins.
We do screen-free time as a family, and I try to lead by example. You can’t tell your child to put the phone away while you’re constantly checking yours!
Q. What would a day in Shilpa Shetty’s life look like if she had 24 hours all by herself?
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Shilpa Shetty Kundra: I would wake up late(r). I love my sleep, but now I wake up at 6.30 am for the kids.
Next, I’d do a long yoga or workout session, have a leisurely breakfast, and then probably spend a ridiculous amount of time doing absolutely nothing. Or just working a lot more, because I’m a workaholic.
I’d also travel much more and not think about coming back soon. I’d get more massages, watch more films, and probably spend some time just sitting quietly.
But knowing me, after a few hours, I’d start missing everyone. I love my alone time, but I’m also a people person at heart. So, 24 hours completely alone would probably become 12 hours of bliss and 12 hours of ‘Okay, where is everybody?’
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Q. Are you big on travel? Tell us your top 3 destinations, and one place that’s still on your wish list.
Shilpa Shetty Kundra: I love travelling because it gives you a chance to step away from routine and experience a completely different rhythm of life. Three places I’ve particularly loved are the UK, Japan and the Maldives.
The UK cause it’s our second home, so a lot of family time. Japan for its discipline, aesthetics and incredible attention to detail. And the Maldives, because sometimes you just need that feeling of being disconnected from the outside world, and be surrounded by nothing but blue.
Q. What are three things you remain grateful for?
Shilpa Shetty Kundra: My family, my health, and the opportunity to reinvent myself.
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I’m incredibly grateful for the love of my family and the people who have stood by me through every phase of my life. I’m grateful for my health, because it has allowed me to continue doing the things I love and to discover new passions. And I’m grateful that my career has allowed me to evolve and transition.
The biggest lesson my journey has taught me is that a career can have many chapters. You don’t have to remain the person you were when you started.
Q. Lastly, a secret about Shilpa Shetty that no one knows about, but now Indian Express will.
Shilpa Shetty Kundra: I’m actually quite a homebody. Honestly, give me a quiet day at home, and I’m very happy. And here’s another secret – I don’t know how to swim. So, Indian Express now has two secrets on record!
Q. How far does the philosophy of Alpino — the health food brand you recently collaborated with — reflect in your own diet?
Shilpa Shetty Kundra: Very closely. I’ve always believed that what you put into your body is as important as how you train it. I don’t believe in extreme diets or deprivation. My philosophy has always been about balance, eating clean, choosing good-quality ingredients and making sure I get enough protein, fibre, healthy fats and micronutrients.
I also believe food should be enjoyable. I eat the things I love, but I’m conscious about portions and balance. That’s one reason I connected with Alpino. Their philosophy of making healthy eating fun, rather than making it feel like a punishment, really resonates with me.
