Vidya Balan on her weight-loss transformation: I have exercised like a beast, ‘didn't know palak and Doodhi don't suit me’

Bollywood actress Vidya Balan, who will be seen in Bhool Bhualiyaa 3, recently shared her journey to a significant weight loss transformation, revealing that her approach was surprisingly devoid of any exercise. Vidya, known for her powerful performances and graceful screen presence, spoke openly about her struggles with weight management, body image, and the emotional toll that societal judgments took on her.

In a recent interview with Galatta India, she unveiled the unique dietary approach that helped her achieve her transformation and provided insight into the challenges she faced in the process.

For Vidya, weight loss had been a persistent struggle throughout her life. She admitted, “You know, all my life, I have struggled to be thin. I have dieted and exercised like crazy, and sometimes, I would lose weight, and it would come back.” However, Vidya’s breakthrough came when she met with Amura Health, a Chennai-based nutritional group. Their approach introduced her to a perspective she hadn’t considered before—identifying and eliminating foods that were causing inflammation in her body.

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The revelation was eye-opening. Vidya shared, “They said, ‘It is just inflammation; it is not fat.’ So, they put me on a diet to get rid of the inflammation, elimination of inflammation it is called, and it worked beautifully for me.” With this newfound understanding, her body responded positively, and the weight began to come off. The experience taught her that not all foods are suitable for everyone, even if they’re generally deemed healthy. As she put it, “I have been a vegetarian all my life, (yet) I didn’t know palak and doodhi (spinach and bottle gourd) don’t suit me.”

Vidya said this emphasized the importance of understanding what works for one’s unique body. “We think all vegetables are good for us, but that is not the case. You have to figure out what’s good for you as just because it is good for someone else, it may not be good for you,” she said.

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Another notable aspect of Vidya’s transformation was her decision to stop exercising altogether. She mentioned that she used to work out intensely, often pushing herself hard in the gym.

However, Amura Health suggested that she take a break from her rigorous routine. “They asked me to stop working out,” she explained. This advice might seem unconventional, especially in a fitness-driven world where exercise is often seen as essential to weight loss. Vidya was initially skeptical, admitting, “Even I would not have believed last year if I had been told ‘Stop working out.’ I used to be a beast in the gym.”

Vidya’s experience has also reshaped her perspective on body image and societal judgments. Throughout her career, she had been labeled as a “fat girl,” a tag that affected her self-esteem deeply.

She reflected on how the media and public scrutiny took a toll on her confidence, especially when she was younger. She stated, “People used to call me fat, and that would hurt my self-esteem.”

Today, Vidya feels healthier and happier than ever. “Now, people tell me, ‘So what are you doing?’ and I am like, ‘No, I don’t do anything.’ I am just enjoying myself and feeling healthier than ever,” she shared with a sense of satisfaction. Vidya’s story is a powerful reminder that self-acceptance and self-care are crucial components of any health journey. She emphasized the importance of respecting individuality, stating, “I am not saying you should not exercise… but remember no two people are the same… we must respect our individuality.”

In a society where body image issues are prevalent, Vidya’s stance on the term “fat” is both refreshing and inspiring. She reflected on her choice to reclaim the word without shame, saying, “There are thin people and there are fat people, and I do not think it is shameful in any way.”