The bustling city of Kolkata witnessed an evening of profound conversation on Thursday as Bollywood icon Shilpa Shetty joined forces with renowned holistic lifestyle coach Luke Coutinho for a special fireside chat. The event, organized by the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), masterfully wove together threads of inspiration, deep insight, and personal introspection, offering the audience a rare look into the star's life.
Three Decades of Reinvention and Resilience
At the heart of the dialogue was Shilpa Shetty's incredible journey spanning three decades in the Indian film industry. She candidly recalled her beginnings, entering the world of cinema as a teenager with no connections and limited language skills. "I was almost 17 when I joined the industry. I knew nothing and no one from it," she shared, attributing her start to destiny and a fortunate break that led to a hugely successful first film.
However, she was quick to highlight that early success was followed by significant rejection, which she credits for building her character. "When you find success early, you think it’s all going to be easy — but it’s the rejection that actually builds you," Shetty reflected. Her enduring presence, she summarized, is a result of constant reinvention and learning. "The challenge was to keep reinventing myself, stay relevant, and keep learning. I’m proud that after three decades, I can still sit here, tell my story, and say that I did it my way."
The Pillars of Holistic Wellness: Mind, Body, and Spirit
The conversation naturally pivoted to wellness, a domain where Shilpa has become a leading voice. She placed paramount importance on mental well-being in today's frantic world. "Mental health takes precedence over physical health," she asserted, advocating for mindful breathing and living as antidotes to stress.
She elaborated on her holistic framework, stating, "For me, there are three pillars – physical, emotional, and spiritual health – one can’t stand strong without harmony among all three. And, faith ties them all together." This inner alignment, she believes, is the source of true peace amidst external chaos.
Echoing and expanding on this philosophy, Fit India Champion Luke Coutinho emphasized the need to treat health with the same seriousness as business. "Health is about priorities. We give our businesses time, discipline, and energy — we need to give our health the same. Unless we make health a priority, it won’t happen," he advised.
Practical Wisdom for Everyday Life
Shilpa Shetty also dispensed practical advice, touching on modern challenges and personal acceptance. She addressed the unique pressures faced by women, noting, "Because of our conditioning, we, women take the pressure of doing everything right – but we all make mistakes. The moment we surrender ourselves to this fact, everything else smoothly falls into place."
To combat digital distraction, she recommended establishing a solid routine. "Have a routine to help your body form a circadian rhythm. We lose precious time just scrolling online – it’s life-changing to set a limit and be fully present," she said, highlighting a simple yet powerful step towards better health.
The session concluded with some fun, personal revelations from Shilpa:
- Guilty pleasure: Rosogolla
- Go-to comfort meal: Khichdi with lots of ghee
- Myth to debunk: 'Abs are made in the gym' – No, they are made in the kitchen
- Would be happier if: She could sleep by 10 PM and walk more
The fireside chat in Kolkata ultimately painted a picture of a star who has seamlessly transitioned from a film heroine to a grounded wellness advocate, proving that relevance is earned through continuous growth, balance, and an unwavering commitment to one's core values.
