Pilates has become an important part of several Bollywood celebrities’ fitness routines, with Janhvi Kapoor and Sara Ali Khan among its well-known practitioners. Behind their long-standing association with the exercise is fitness expert Namrata Purohit, who says both actors have trained with her for around a decade or longer. In an interview with ANI, Purohit spoke about how much the two actresses have learned over the years, their understanding of movement and the discipline that helps them maintain their routines. She also reflected on her journey of popularising Pilates in India alongside her father, Samir Purohit, including the challenges they faced while building their business.
Janhvi Kapoor and Sara Ali Khan Have Trained for Around 10 Years
According to Namrata Purohit, Janhvi Kapoor and Sara Ali Khan have been practising Pilates with her for approximately 10 years or more. Their experience has helped them develop a strong understanding of the exercise system, including movement technique, breathing and muscle engagement.
Purohit joked that Janhvi had learned so much that she could almost become an instructor herself. She explained that the actress understands movement well and sometimes even takes informal classes for friends when they travel together.
The trainer said she particularly appreciates the fact that both actors have learned to understand their bodies rather than simply follow a set of exercises. Their familiarity with correct form, controlled movement and breathing allows them to practise more independently and share what they have learned with others.
Their long association highlights how consistency can help people develop a deeper understanding of a fitness discipline over time. Pilates requires attention to technique and body control, making regular practice and proper guidance important parts of the process.
Namrata Purohit Says Bollywood Stars Have Impressive Discipline
While Purohit has helped actors develop their fitness routines, she says working with celebrities has also taught her valuable lessons. The quality she notices most often is their discipline and determination to achieve their goals.
According to the trainer, many actors remain focused on their targets and are willing to follow the routines and instructions needed to reach them. She believes their commitment plays a significant role in the results they achieve.
Her observations also underline the demands of maintaining a fitness routine alongside a busy professional life. Actors often have packed schedules involving shoots, travel and promotional commitments, leaving them with limited time for personal activities. Sticking to a regular exercise programme in such circumstances requires planning and consistency.
Purohit’s comments reflect her experience working closely with performers, although fitness results naturally depend on individual circumstances, training methods and other lifestyle factors.
How Pilates Became More Popular in India
Pilates is a mind-body exercise method developed by Joseph Pilates in the 20th century. It combines controlled movements with concentration and breathing, while focusing on core stability, flexibility, balance and body awareness.
Unlike workouts that concentrate primarily on lifting weights or cardiovascular activity, Pilates places considerable emphasis on the quality and control of each movement. It can be adapted to different fitness levels, though beginners generally benefit from professional instruction to learn the techniques safely.
Namrata Purohit and her father, Samir Purohit, have played a role in introducing the practice to more people in India through their studios and training work. The father-daughter duo recently reached a milestone with the opening of their 50th Pilates studio.
Expanding a specialised fitness business, however, has not been without difficulties. Purohit says the experience taught her lessons about trust, partnerships and the importance of setting clear expectations when working with others.
A Difficult Early Business Experience Changed Her Approach
Recalling the early stages of their expansion, Purohit described a partnership that did not work out as expected. She said she and her father had trusted someone based on verbal assurances, only to encounter problems during the process.
The experience was difficult at the time, particularly because both had approached the arrangement with considerable trust. Looking back, however, she considers it one of the most important lessons of her professional journey.
Purohit explained that business agreements should be documented clearly rather than left to verbal promises. In her view, putting terms in writing helps reduce confusion and gives everyone involved a shared understanding of their responsibilities.
She added that even when people trust one another, misunderstandings can arise. Clear written agreements can help prevent ambiguity and make it easier to address disagreements if they occur.
For Purohit, the experience changed how she approaches professional partnerships. Her advice is straightforward: trust matters, but clarity and documentation are equally important when building a business.