Mumbai: Rhythm Sanadhya, the powerhouse song director who recently directed Mahakumbh fame Monalisa Bhosle in Dil Jania, feels that maintaining a fitness routine is very crucial. She shared that she realized its importance post-COVID when she took it quite casually and her health declined.
She said, “These days, I maintain a very active lifestyle. I begin my mornings calmly with meditation, followed by a 90-minute workout at the gym. I also make it a point to walk after every meal, ensuring that I cover approximately 7,000 to 10,000 steps each day.”
“I truly understood the importance of fitness only after my health went completely off track. Post-Covid, I neglected my well-being, and over the next five years, my health deteriorated significantly, even though I had been a fitness enthusiast before. This decline affected everything: poor physical shape, mental fog, constant lethargy, and eventually hormonal imbalances. My weight crossed 80 kilos, and as my hormones worsened, daily life became increasingly difficult, leading to emotional struggles and health challenges,” she added.
She is much fitter and has returned to a disciplined routine. She said, “Looking back, I realize I was living in an unhealthy cage of my own making. This journey has taught me that fitness is not optional—it is essential for a sound, balanced life.”
Her work keeps her busy, and she understands it’s important that she maintains her energy level. For that, she said, “I make sure that I eat on time, stay hydrated, and hit my protein goal. I always carry my home-cooked meal everywhere with me. I plan my entire day’s meals in the morning itself so that I don’t end up with low energy and bad choices of food.”
Rhythm follows a gluten-free vegetarian diet and consumes five to six well-balanced meals each day, rich in colorful vegetables, fruits, and millets. She added, “I don’t consume sugar and a lot of masalas. I also make sure that I eat organic and avoid preservatives and packaged food completely.”
Her go-to meal is her homemade protein laddoos, roasted makhana, and mixed seeds. She said, “I always keep them handy in my bag, car, and office. “And she makes sure her meals include a portion of protein—whether from soya, beans, or cottage cheese.
“Overnight oats are a daily breakfast staple, and four to five dried figs with milk at bedtime are non-negotiable parts of my routine,” she added.
And she indulges in cheat days too often. She said, “I plan them carefully so that indulgence remains intentional rather than reckless. My favorite treats include an extra-extravaganza pizza, pav bhaji, and my mother’s homemade parathas. I also like toasted bread and jam sandwiches loaded with lots of butter.”
What about skincare? “I follow a disciplined skincare routine and take equal care of my skin and hair, both externally and internally. I cleanse, tone, and moisturize twice daily, and reapply sunscreen every two hours,” she said.
“I also prepare my own skin-health drinks at home and use only vegan products. I avoid makeup as much as possible. No matter how much one spends on skincare products, the skin will not truly glow unless the body is nourished well and the mind feels good,” she added.
She meditates every day and practices box breathing regularly. She said, “I also turn to meditation whenever I feel low or overwhelmed. I track my mental state on my phone, which helps me better understand my emotional triggers and how to manage them effectively.”
Rhythm believes that no matter how demanding one’s schedule may be, it is essential to set aside at least an hour each day for personal fitness. She said, “While busy routines and extensive travel can pose challenges, they need not become excuses. I have found practical ways to work around them—walking whenever possible, standing instead of sitting, and even engaging in domestic chores to stay active.”
“On particularly hectic days, I dedicate twenty minutes to resistance-band training. I carry them with me while traveling and use them in my hotel room to start my day. Even such small, consistent habits can make a remarkable difference,” she added.
Two fitness tips? “Stay hydrated and track your meals. Stay active, happy, and positive,” she concluded.
