Controversy's favourite child Kangna Ranaut says her daily and disciplined yoga practice helps her keep centered and grounded through her daily interactions and activities.
Kangna is no stranger to controversy. Her relationships, the kind of characters she's chosen to essay in films, and industry wars with her co–stars and producers are legion, and have managed to keep the media abuzz with dialogue about the Himachal lass. All of 21 she's already on her 9th film in three years with heaps of awards and critically acclaimed performances accompanying her glittering journey. Once again in the media's eye for her strong role in much awaited upcoming movie RAAZ–THE MYSTERY CONTINUES in which she plays a supermodel whose horrific encounters with the supernatural help her struggle through darkness to find her strength and her self.
She started training with her Yoga Guru Surya Narayan four years ago, as a beginner in the industry, and believes it was the best thing that happened to her. "Yoga has introduced me to my real Self. I've discovered, harnessed and built much greater physical and mental strength through this practice, which is essential to survive the physical strain of shooting long hours and the emotional rigour that acting and being a part of the industry demands."
The biggest gift she's received from this, she says, is the practice of Silence or "Maun". The practice of staying silent physically brings to the fore the tremendous busy–ness of the mind and help to bring some quiet there as well. Kangana, who's very effervescent and vivacious by nature, says initially she found it very difficult to stay silent, however through perseverance she did manage to develop this as a regular part of her yoga practice and has benefited ever since.
"Through Silence I feel I've discovered my Soul, the very centre of my being, which is the source of all my energy – creative, spiritual, emotional and mental. I've always been a very focused person, and I've chosen to portray characters in my film that are challenging and strong. This awareness and practice has given me greater ability to channel my energy effectively to deliver even better on these performances."
Through shooting RAAZ–THE MYSTERY CONTINUES, Kangana has been even more diligent about this practice. That's because the character is one who gets possessed and has to deal with the horrific consequences. "The role required a lot from me. It's a very intense role. So it was imperative to keep my practice alive during the outdoor schedules to be able to maintain the focus and equanimity needed to deliver the required performance."
Has she inspired Ahdyayan to also practice yoga? "I think you'll have to ask Adhyayan that question," she smiles.
Will she continue on this yogic journey? "Why, ofcourse! Yoga is a gift to mankind. I receive many accolades for the roles I've done, but in the inward journey that Yoga introduces you to is what intrigues me deeply. I know where I want to go. That inner destination's where my eventual goal is."
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