Actor Hrishikesh Pandey, known for his disciplined routine and calm demeanor, credits much of his physical and mental well-being to the ancient practice of yoga. For him, yoga isn’t just a part of his fitness regimen—it’s a way of life.
“Yoga plays a very important role in my life. It’s not just a physical practice but a complete lifestyle that helps me stay grounded,” he says. In an industry where unpredictability and stress are constants, yoga has become a source of stability and clarity for the actor.
Sharing a nostalgic connection, Hrishikesh reveals, “Initially in my childhood, I used to do yoga and many times I was even called to other classes in school to teach yoga asanas, especially Surya Namaskar. I used to do it for a very long time, then skipped it for a few years. But now, since the past few years, I’ve started again—at least for some time whenever possible, but I try to be regular.”
However, the journey hasn’t always been consistent. “In between, due to a lot of busy schedules, I missed out on doing yoga. But I’ve realised how important it is. Yoga has a long-lasting impact on both body and mind.”
Despite his packed shoot schedules and gym workouts, Hrishikesh ensures he never loses touch with yoga. “Even on busy days, I try to fit in at least 15–20 minutes. If not a full session, then I do some breathing exercises or stretches. It’s all about consistency,” he shares.
He firmly believes in yoga’s gradual yet powerful transformation. “Yoga doesn’t bring overnight changes—it works slowly but deeply. It makes you more aware of your breath, your body, and your emotions,” he says, emphasizing the long-term benefits of the practice.
Before stepping onto set, Hrishikesh follows a simple ritual that includes Anulom Vilom and Bhramari Pranayama, two calming breathing techniques. “They help me stay centred, improve my focus, and regulate my breathing. Along with a few light stretches, this sets the tone for my day,” he adds.
Yoga’s benefits have extended beyond the physical for him. “I feel more flexible, more energetic, and mentally more composed. It helps me handle stress and chaos with a lot more ease,” he notes.
When asked about his go-to asana to stay fit, Hrishikesh is quick to respond: “Surya Namaskar is my favourite. It’s a complete workout—it energizes the whole body, improves circulation, and builds strength and flexibility.”
With such dedication and awareness, Hrishikesh Pandey continues to inspire fans not just with his performances, but also with his approach to mindful living.