For actress Shambhavi Singh, headlining Star Plus’ show Mr and Mrs Parshuram alongside Neil Bhatt is a deeply rewarding experience, but it also comes with gruelling, high-intensity shoot schedules. Essaying the layered character of Shalini demands both immense physical stamina and sharp emotional intelligence. This International Yoga Day, Shambhavi reveals how she utilises quick, mindful pauses on set to block out external noise, regulate her performance, and maintain an inner sanctity amidst the chaos of showbiz.
With television shoots demanding back-to-back scenes, finding an hour-long window to practice yoga is a luxury few actors have. Instead of waiting for a flawless routine, Shambhavi believes in micro-moments of discipline. “Honestly, I don’t wait for the perfect time,” Shambhavi smiles. “Even if it’s just a few minutes in the morning or between scenes, I make it count. For me, yoga isn’t about finding extra time; it’s about creating a small pause for myself during a busy day.”
Pranayama has taught me how to stay calm and present, especially during emotionally demanding scenes.
When time is tight between shots, her vanity van transforms into a temporary wellness studio. “My vanity van routine is very simple. If I get even 10–15 minutes between shots, I do a few stretches, some deep breathing exercises, and a couple of rounds of Surya Namaskar. It instantly helps me reset and brings my focus back before stepping in front of the camera. These quick moments of mindfulness help me stay energised through long days on set.”
The actress credits ancient breathwork as her primary tool for accessing authentic on-camera vulnerability. “Acting is all about breath control and emotional regulation. Pranayama has taught me how to stay calm and present, especially during emotionally demanding scenes. When your breathing is under control, your emotions flow more naturally, and that really helps as an actor.”
“There are moments in Shalini’s journey that require immense emotional depth, and yoga helps me approach those scenes with a clearer, calmer mind.”
The entertainment industry can be an overwhelming space, frequently accompanied by public scrutiny, social media noise, and trolling. For Shambhavi, a regular meditation practice functions as her mental armour. “Meditation reminds me to focus on what I can control and let go of what I can’t,” she reflects groundedlу. “The industry can be overwhelming sometimes, but yoga helps me stay centred and not get affected by every single opinion that comes my way.”
While yoga encourages a deep connection with the body, Shambhavi insists that mindfulness shouldn’t mean absolute deprivation, especially for someone who genuinely loves food. “Yoga definitely makes me more mindful about what I eat, but I’m also a foodie at heart,” she confesses. “I try to maintain a healthy balance—nutritious meals most of the time, but I never say no to a good cheat meal once in a while! Feeding my soul allows me to stay focused on my performance and the story we’re trying to tell through our show.”
As the world celebrates International Yoga Day, Shambhavi is looking to shift her focus inward, moving past just the physical aspects of the practice. “This Yoga Day, I want to be more consistent with meditation,” she says as a closing thought. “We often focus primarily on physical fitness, but mental wellness is equally important. Even just 10 minutes of mindful silence every single day can make a massive difference in how you process your life.”
Here’s wishing all our readers a life filled with wellness this International Yoga Day!!
