Ms.Namita Nayyar:
How did you come up with this interactive format? Talk about the different ways people can use the book
Ms.Bhavna Harchandrai
Once I had the main idea pinned down, I had to figure out how to narrate the information in a distinct style. Fitness is considered to be a dry subject for all except fitness freaks. I wanted to present the main theme of holistic fitness as well as exercise and diet independence in a fun, easy-to-read format. I dug deep within and the story of my childhood friend, Sakshi, and her struggle with unexpected weight gain flashed through my mind. I built upon it as the backbone and weaved a narrative around this in a story format. Then I injected a generous dose of Bombay slang to appeal to the masses and classes.
Coming from a typical SOBO background and the fact that I am often mistaken for a ‘firang’; has taken many people by surprise. The reality is that I was brought up on a diet of Hindi movies, my parents spoke to us in Hindi and Sindhi; so incorporating Hinglish as the lingo, was an integral part of my personality; something that just had to shine through.
5 Fingers of Fitness can be incorporated in an endless number of ways. It offers comprehensive step-by-step tables such as walking charts, walk-jog interval training, calculating your BMI, creating individual diet plans, food swaps, choosing wisely at restaurants, strength training grids, essential stretches, and my personal favorite, a chapter on mental health. The good part is that all the information is in grids and does not break the rhythm of the story-telling. And let’s not forget, 5 Fingers of Fitness is the 1st book in India (2nd in the world) that has QR codes linked to demonstrative videos for easy learning of exercises.
Infotainment at its best!
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Have you received any feedback from readers? If yes, what did they say?
Ms. Bhavna Harchandrai:
The response has been overwhelming! I am flooded with social media posts and screenshots of friends and followers posing with books with the tag ‘I got mine!’
Personal messages and reviews calling it the ONLY fitness book you need to buy and ‘I loved every word of it’ are so touching. People are mocking catch-phrases ‘Ice-tea meh toh ice chalega na?’ ‘Bhavna, can I have ice in my iced tea?’ The Gujjus of my neighborhood are super-thrilled with the Palanpuri character Jignesh Shah while my Sindhi clan is complaining ‘Why didn’t you name him Jignesh Khushlani?’
‘Was Jignesh your boyfriend in college?’ ‘So inspired by Khushi’s story. I have moved to a high-protein diet today!’ and so on.
My hubby’s elite aunts have not only begun following me on social media but also promoting the book on their page. I feel lucky and blessed to receive a positively positive response from near and far.
Ms.Namita Nayyar:
Why did you decide to release the book now? How did the pandemic affect its release? Any delays or setbacks?
Ms.Bhavna Harchandrai:
A river cuts through rock, not because of its power, but because of its perseverance.
It has taken
2 years to write
1 year to edit and type-set
2 decades of experience as a Fitness Expert
And 212 QR Codes to bring this one book to fruition.
I have been consistent and perseverant in my efforts to make my dream come true and I hope everyone believes in it too.
