Five minutes with Bollywood actress Nargis Fakhri

 The lively, cherubic actress  has that child-like innocence that won us over instantaneously. The Bollywood actress and fitness enthusiast was in her usual chirpy mode when she settled down with the media after a soulful session of XYoga. Five minutes with her whizzed past like a whiff of fresh air. 

Fakhri was at the centerstage at Kite Beach on February 1 to spearhead the two-day wellness event, XYoga Dubai. Accompanied by her was the former Real Madrid and Barcelona footballer Luis Fago and popular Indian yogini and trainer-to-the-Bollywood stars Deepika Mehta.

Over a thousand yoga enthusiasts stretched into the weekend with the celebrities on the beautiful Friday morning at the serene seaside venue. The atmosphere was radiating with calm and positive vibes with soothing music playing in the background.

Commenting on the launch morning of XYoga festival, Fakhri remarked, “The opening session at the beachside was simply magical, the energy was contagious. We were having fun but also engaged mentally and spiritually. It was an honour to open the third edition of XYoga Dubai, presented by Dubai Holding.”

The American- Pakistani model and actress Fakhri, who shot to fame with movies like ‘Rockstar’ and ‘Main Tera Hero’, is a fitness enthusiast and it’s her first time at the festival dedicated to promoting different kinds of yoga including Animal Yoga, Vinyasa Flow and Acro Yoga. She has graced the covers of top fashion and fitness magazines and is an active philanthropist, who is passionate about woman's empowerment and preserving wildlife and the environment.

Presented by Dubai Holding, The XYoga Dubai event was back with its third edition with successful stories in its last two editions with Bollywood celebrities like Shilpa Shetty and Malaika Arora enthralling the crowds with their brilliant yoga moves.

Here are a few excerpts from the interview with Nargis Fakhri:

What does your fitness routine look like?

There was a time in my life when I was very undisciplined because of my hectic work schedule. But now, I am back on track. I get up early around six in the morning. I do my morning stretches followed by meditation. I go ahead with a cup of coffee, scrambling through my nutritional take for the day and then taking my yoga class.

 How do u think Instagram is shaping people’s minds relating to fitness?

I feel that social media is triggering anxieties about our bodies. We see people who look so perfect and we try to achieve that perfection, not realizing that everybody has his or her unique body. At the same time, it depends on what page you follow, I have seen some amazing transformations inspired by social media. Hence, it all depends upon the individual how he or she takes it. It can be both ways- It can inspire but can give anxiety, too.

Any message for youngsters pertaining to fitness?

Watch what you eat and follow healthy eating habits is my mantra to the younger generation. Don’t get swept off by the tremendous amount of junk food available!

What is your favourite health food?

Satvik food is my favourite health food. I love avocadoes and vegetables and stress largely on unprocessed food.

Whats your take on the XYoga festival?

It’s amazing that Dubai has brought this awesome festival called XYoga. It was so amazing to do yoga on the beach, beautiful weather and so many enthusiasts. I felt so invigorated, happier and more balanced this morning!

How would you describe your equation with Dubai?

Dubai is an amazing city, for sure. Despite the fact that I have been here so many times, I always look forward to doing something new on each visit. When I was invited for XYoga, I was so excited- I flew all the way from Los Angeles. I had great time working with Dubai Tourism during my earlier visits.  I have been actively into adventure activities like parasailing, skydiving, dune bashing, ziplining, etc . It is a great place to enjoy varied cuisines, beautiful beaches and shopping,

What is your way of unwinding?

My home is my sacred sanctuary. Coming home after a long days’ work, sitting with a cup of tea, closing my eyes and breathing, doing meditation are some of my ways of chilling out after a hard days’ work. I love cooking as well! It is like a sheer meditative experience.

What is your mantra in life?

I have experienced so many things in my life from bad to good to great. I don’t believe in planning anything, I just live with an open mind and open heart. Unfortunately, I do get hurt a lot in this process. I follow the mantra- ‘Love thyself’. It is often seen that ladies tend to do everything for their family, kids, hubby, but they tend to neglect themselves.

               Quick shots with Nargis-

• Favourite food- North Indian food and Japanese food
• Favourite pastime- Fixing my house
• Favourite music/band-  Rihanna
• Favourite movie- Beauty and the beast
• Favourite actor- Meryl Streep
• If not actress, what would you be- A Doctor
• Ambition while growing up- To travel and see the world
• Favourite holiday destination –Greece and Newzealand