Nargis talks yoga and fitness in Dubai

BOLLYWOOD STAR, NARGIS FAKHRI is all set to open XYoga Dubai Festival this friday along with the famous Indian yogi Deepika Mehta. International football player Luis Figo will also join Nargis at Kite Beach to lead the 2,500 strong community in the first session. More than 15,000 visitors are expected for a packed two-day programme of 63 complimentary classes, workshops and talks. 
Many other international yogis like Laura Sykora, Garth Hewitt, Davidji, and Janet Stone will also be part of the festival. Some of the UAE's most popular yoga practitioners will also lead a variety of holistic and signature sessions at the festival including Animal Yoga, Clinical Yoga, Acro Yoga, Vinyasa Flow, Yoga for Beginners, Freedom Flow, Hula-hoop Yoga, Open Heart Open Mind, Yin Yoga, Yoga Bil Arabi, Kundalini Yoga, TRX, Sri Sri Yoga and Sound Healing Meditation etc. The festival's Closing Session will be led by popular hand-pan musician, Sherif Elmoghazy along with gong meditation leader, Zarine Dadachanji.
We spoke to Nargis about her love for yoga and how happy she is to kickstart the yoga festival. 
 
How excited are you to come to Dubai for XYOGA and what can we expect from 
the event?
I am super excited that this is happening as I am a firm believer in the process and benefits of yoga. I'm so glad to be building awareness about it among so many people. Getting like-minded and dedicated people along with new adopters of yoga to practice all under one roof creates a very energetic and positively inspiring environment - the perfect space to gain the benefits of yoga.
 
How often do you practise yoga and what are your favourite yoga asanas?
I practice yoga around 4-5 times a week. It's important to work on the entire body using various asanas, and it's as important to rest the muscles towards the end with Shavasana. 
 
Are you a disciplined person in general?
I will be honest here and tell you I go through phases in my life where I am thoroughly disciplined and then a little undisciplined. It just depends what's happening in my life. But yoga always helps me to get back into focus.
 
What's your fitness routine?
I don't have a particular routine, but most often I do a little yoga when I wake up, and then I try to take any strength class when I can during the day.
 
What's your favourite form of exercise?
I do love yoga, but I also like a good spin class and any form of dance routine.
 
What's your daily diet?
I like to eat three meals a day. Breakfast usually always consists of eggs; fruits and vegetables are also part of my meals. Lunch and dinner vary.  I have been staying away from sugar and processed foods as much as possible. 
 
What are your upcoming projects?
Amavas is set to release in February and Torbaaz with Sanjay Dutt should release later this year. I am also working on a few other projects too which aren't film related. I am currently working with a foundation called Start Up Girl Foundation which helps fund female entrepreneurs with their start-ups. I am also an advisor on the board of directors for a cosmetic company which is set to roll out by the end of February, called CTZN cosmetics. 
 
 arti@khaleejtimes.com
Registration is now open on www.xyogadubai.com.