In showbiz, a toned body is mandatory and yoga and fitness go hand in hand. Now, yoga not only focuses on flexibility and improves strength and cardio-respiratory fitness, but also leads to a calmer and clearer mind. To navigate the high-stress entertainment industry, yoga can act as the perfect tool for increased well-being and stress management. Over the years, yoga has found devoted followers not just among fitness enthusiasts but also among some of the biggest names in Bollywood, as well as Hollywood. A practice that started in India nearly 5,000 years ago has now become a global movement.
On the occasion of the International Yoga Day, we bring you the list of celebrities who swear by yoga and so should we.
Shilpa Shetty
No yoga day would be complete without mentioning Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty. One of India’s most recognisable yoga ambassadors, actress and entrepreneur, Shilpa has championed yoga for years now. Through her fitness DVDs, books, social media posts and ‘YouTube’ tutorials, she has encouraged countless Indians to adopt yoga as a daily practice. She credits yoga for helping her maintain physical fitness and mental balance. “Yoga did not just help me with my body; I became fitter from within. It helped me to focus better. In the movies, we may look very glamorous and fit, but believe me, not many of us are actually fit from within. Yoga has helped me achieve that,” she said. Interestingly, the mother of two is also seen encouraging her kids to practice yoga and her son is quite a pro already.
Malaika Arora
If you are on ‘Instagram’, you cannot miss the videos of Malaika Arora coming out of the yoga studios. Always looking fab and fit, this ‘Munni Badnaam Hui’ dancer-actress is often seen posting about yoga and exercises on her social media account. Malaika believes yoga is not merely a workout but a lifestyle that promotes discipline, mindfulness and emotional well-being. Her social media is filled with tutorials ranging from beginner poses to advanced stretches. “Yoga has been very, very instrumental in shaping a lot of my life. I feel that practising on my mat genuinely makes me happy; it centres me, it gives me focus. So yes, I would give a lot of credit to yoga in my life,” she said.
Kareena Kapoor Khan
The actress has been practising yoga for many years. Kareena Kapoor Khan has often spoken about how yoga helped her during pregnancy and postpartum recovery. She follows a disciplined wellness regime and considers yoga crucial to maintaining both her physical and mental well-being. “My yoga time is my me time… and of course, consistency is key… So, keep at it, people,” the ‘Jab We Met’ actor said. Most of her yoga videos are shot on her home terrace.
Akshay Kumar
The ‘Bhoot Bangla’ actor is known for his fitness and strict discipline ever since he made his debut in Bollywood. He incorporates yoga and meditation into his daily routine. The actor has frequently emphasised that yoga is essential not only for physical fitness but also for maintaining mental clarity and inner peace. “Yoga frees you from your worries,” he had once said in an interview.
Alia Bhatt
The ‘Alpha’ actor frequently takes to social media to showcase her aerial yoga and anti-gravity inversions. She integrates yoga into her fitness and wellness routine to build core strength, improve flexibility and maintain mental peace amid a demanding schedule. She is guided by her celebrity yoga trainer, Anshuka Parwani. “Yoga has always been deeply rooted in Indian history, a source of wisdom enriching lives across the world, even today. It’s a way of life that cares for our body and mind. This International Yoga Day, let’s make a simple promise – take a deep breath and enjoy a moment of peace,” said Alia.
Jennifer Aniston
The mega ‘Friends’ star has openly discussed her love for yoga. The Hollywood actress practices a combination of traditional yoga and strength training. Aniston credits her yoga sessions for keeping her physically fit and helping her cope with the pressures of fame and a demanding work schedule. “Yoga calms me down. It’s a therapy session, a workout and meditation all at the same time!” she said.
Madonna
The Queen of Pop has been practising yoga for decades and is widely credited with bringing ‘Ashtanga’ and ‘Vinyasa’ yoga to the Western mainstream. Madonna has often described yoga as a source of discipline and spiritual grounding. “Yoga is a metaphor for life. You have to take it really slowly. You can’t rush. You can’t skip to the next position. You find yourself in very humiliating situations, but you can’t judge yourself. You just have to breathe and let go. It is a workout for your mind, your body and your soul,” said the superstar singer.