Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You studied at the London School of Economics, graduating in European politics and French and became a gold medalist from the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. While still in school, you learned Bharatnatyam and when you moved to India you took a few classes in Kathak too. How did acting happen in between singing and performing then? Also, introduce us to your day-routine.
Ms. Sophie Choudry:
My life is pretty normal in that I’m a family girl. I made my mum move with me and she handles all my work. And then my nani moved too. I work out with Yasmin karachiwala, do my riyaaz and spend a lot of time with my gorgeous puppy, Tia. We go for walks, drives and play together. But I also travel a lot for my live shows so that keeps me on the go! Singing and dancing for 2 hours on stage at a time is no joke. I think if you love what you do, you find the right balance and I’m not much of a party animal so it gives me more time to focus on myself!
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Being an actress and model, staying fit is called upon. Unfold 5 exercises that comprise essentially a part of your fitness regime on a daily basis?
Ms. Sophie Choudry:
I only do Pilates with Yasmin Karachiwala because I’m someone who has had 2 slipped discs in the past, one due to yoga. In fact last year I tried aerial yoga in India and ended up with stitches in my head because I fell from a height and the teacher had no mats on the floor. It was awful so I prefer to stick to what I enjoy and what I feel is safe.
I do a lot of glute work so side lying leg lifts, rotations, clamps. I enjoy doing the Pilates teaser which is great for core work as is the hundreds exercise and so is pike to plank and mountain climbing.
I need to work my triceps so I do triceps dips on different pieces of equipment. Because I have a neck problem I have to work a lot on my scapular stabilization so we do various exercises for that. And I love articulating my spine so we have exercises like tower, short spine all great for flexibility and stability.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Work out needs to be supported by healthy nutrition. What kind of diet do you follow to stay healthy and physically fit? Enlist your 5 favorite foods you would fall for any time?
Ms. Sophie Choudry:
Yes I absolutely believe that fitness is a lifestyle not a fad. It has to be part of your life for the long term. It’s ok to be more careful before an important event but I don’t believe in starving, juicing or drastic measures. That’s also why I started my own Ayurvedic detox tea, Fittox, which helps people cleanse and lose weight sensibily. It’s about eating clean, drinking the tea and feeling better inside out.
In terms of food I used to love milk but I have given up cow’s milk and only have almond or soya milk now. And I love cheese so I stick to feta, goats cheese and sheep’s milk cheese all of which are better than cow’s milk at least for me.
My favourite foods are porridge with almond milk, berries and flaxseed.
I love avocados in salads or even with some chilli and lime on toast.
I love fish especially salmon but to be honest in India I eat more chicken than fish.
At night I always drink soup without corn flour in it; pumpkin, broccoli, asparagus, carrot. I love it.
As a cheat, well I have a hugely sweet tooth so I can indulge in any dessert but fortunately I’m ok with just a few bites of it. And my mum’s pulao is my weakness. It’s the best!!