Sheena Chohan Champions Ancient Kalaripayattu on World Health Day

Mumbai: As the world paused to observe World Health Day on April 7, actress Sheena Chohan chose to celebrate the occasion by shining a light on Kalaripayattu — the ancient 3,000-year-old martial art from Kerala that has become the foundation of her personal wellness journey.

World Health Day, observed annually to mark the founding of the World Health Organization, serves as a powerful reminder that health is the true cornerstone of a balanced life. This year, Sheena stood out by openly embracing an “actress-athlete” mindset that goes far beyond conventional gym routines, focusing instead on strength, awareness, consistency, and inner harmony.

At the heart of her daily practice is Kalaripayattu. Far more than just a martial art, this centuries-old discipline from Kerala enhances agility, flexibility, endurance, and mental focus. Sheena credits the practice with shaping not only her physique but also her presence of mind, helping her stay centred amid the fast-paced demands of film shoots and public life.

The impact of this training is clearly visible in her upcoming roles. In the pan-India film Jhatasya Maranam Dhruvam, she portrays a cop — a character that requires genuine physical strength and stamina. For her forthcoming Tamil project, the rigorous sessions are adding depth and intensity to her performance. In the Tamil folk drama Bhayaavah, where she plays a fierce she-devil, Sheena brings striking agility and power to life through demanding harness work and energetic combat sequences.

A brown belt in Karate and trained in multiple martial arts, Sheena recently shared glimpses of her intense stick practice, showcasing impressive precision, control, and unwavering focus. In her own words, “Every fitness journey has a story, and mine is rooted in discipline, movement, and mastery of craft. Kalaripayattu has taught me that fitness is not just about how you look — it’s about how you move, how positive you feel, and how present you are in every moment.”

Sheena follows a no-compromise daily regime that reflects her philosophy. She completes two structured workouts of at least 45 minutes each day, including one outdoor session. Her diet remains clean and consistent, she stays away from alcohol entirely, and she maintains a strict target of drinking 3.8 litres of water daily — habits she upholds even during the most gruelling shooting schedules.

Mental wellness forms an equally vital part of her routine. Through daily reading and mindfulness practices, Sheena continues to build emotional resilience and inner strength. Her approach is straightforward yet powerful: showing up every single day with discipline and clear intent.

In an industry where fitness trends often come and go, Sheena Chohan’s journey offers a grounded and inspiring example. By drawing on the ancient wisdom of Kalaripayattu and pairing it with modern-day dedication, she demonstrates that true fitness is a lifelong commitment that benefits both body and mind.

On the professional front, the actress has several exciting projects lined up. She will soon be seen in Jhatasya Maranam Dhruvam, Arjunanin Allirani, the Tamil folk drama Bhayaavah, and the Hollywood film Nomad, with more announcements expected in the coming months.

This World Health Day, Sheena Chohan’s message resonates strongly: real strength is cultivated from within. Through consistent effort and the timeless principles of Kalaripayattu, she reminds us that holistic well-being is achieved not through shortcuts, but through daily discipline and mindful living.