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"I do not believe in the ideal body type," says Aishwarya Dhanush
“Fitness has been an innate part of my life,” says Aishwarya Dhanush Rajnikanth. “It’s more about what you see growing up because that is what stays with you”.
When Aishwarya and her sister Soundarya were given the option of choosing one sport and one instrument to learn during their childhood by their mother Latha Rajnikanth, Aishwarya chose table tennis and veena. “My sister chose the piano and golf,” she says. Born to superstar Rajnikanth, Aishwarya has inherited more than her dad’s features- she is also as casual and down to earth as her father. Getting candid on fitness and sports in her life, Aishwarya says that yoga was something she always grew up with, learning from her parents.
In the south, Aishwarya has carved her own identity in the entertainment and fitness industry and is not just defined by her father’s fame or as actor Dhanush’s wife. The lady, who has already been a film director and playback singer, turned an entrepreneur when she recently joined hands with a leading yoga studio. She is now busy taking her venture Diva Yoga to more places down south.
“When I read about Malaika Arora starting an exclusive yoga studio for women, I knew immediately that I wanted to be a part of it and bring it down south,” she says. “Yoga has been a life-changing experience for me because it is holistic and contributes to your physical and mental well being. Today, there are so many forms of yoga available and I believe that there is a type for everyone. I want all women to be able to have a safe space and opportunity available for them to work out and practice as per their need and comfort.”
According to Aishwarya, charity begins at home, and so does fitness. “Fitness and healthy lifestyle should be a part of your life. But at the same time, you need to be comfortable with your idea of fitness as each body type is different. Ideal body type is a wrong notion. Overall health and well being should be the primary focus.”
“In olden days, the lifestyle involved a lot of activities like everyday household chores and physical labour in farms and fields. It’s a shame that we now need a space like the gym to compensate on the lack of activity in our life.”
During a regular week, Aishwarya makes sure she works out at least 5 days a week with 3 day of cardio and 2 days of weight training clubbed with 25 minutes of yoga every day. Even if she is travelling with no access to a gym, yoga stays.
“Your exercise should not seem like a task or pressure but something you enjoy doing. That’s the only way you will feel motivated to do it regularly. The transformation should be slow and steady. That’s the secret to maintaining a regular regime.”
“Dhanush and I find time to work out and play badminton together. I make sure my kids are physically active as well. They play soccer as a sport so being fit is a part of their regime too.”
Aishwarya is not into fitness apps or health fads and diets, but she sure digs fitness gears and clothes. Athleisure has been her go-to outfit style while travelling or when needs to keep it casual.
The diva also co-owns Chennai Lions, the table tennis team in the Ultimate Table Tennis league. “This was another opportunity that happened by chance. It has been an exciting journey so far and I am looking forward to the next season!”