When did you start running? What inspired you to run?
I started running at the age of 17 when I was in college. The goal was to maintain good health and physique. I have been running for so long that it is my second nature now . Lately, I have also started doing Yoga and gymming.
Where do you run?
I stay in Santacruz and run on the Juhu beach. I used to run bare foot earlier which is not possible now because the beach has turned from dirty to filthy.
How does running help you in your professional life?
When you run your mind is focused. You don’t think about anything else and focus on what’s ahead of you. So running helps me stay focused in my work and helps de-stress.
How do you balance your fitness regime and work?
Lately, I have not been able to run every day due to my travel schedule but I substitute running with brisk walk. If not running, I finish my yoga before stepping out of house. So my day doesn’t begin without some kind of exercise. If it becomes a habit you get a fix from it.
I don’t buy when people say that they don’t get time to exercise. It is your choice. I have been running for 40 years, right from the time when I was a management trainee.
Your most memorable running moment
I have had the privilege of running on the Juhu beach with the late actor Feroz Khan. He used to come there on a horse. I used to watch him every day early morning. Initially, I didn’t recognise him. One day I bumped into him while running and realised he is an actor. I walked up to him and told him that I see him every day on the beach. He said that even he sees me every day. That was the great moment for me as a renowned actor recognised me.
What are the similarities between running and investments?
The only similarity I can think of is that investing in equity is marathon, not sprint. You have to maintain the rhythm.
What would be your advice to someone who wants to start running for fitness?
The more you plan the less you are likely to do it. So don’t plan. Go out and run. Find a good spot to run so that you have something good to look at. I prefer to run on the beach because there is empty space and breeze. Make an effort to go to the spot. Running on road is difficult because there is no space, surface is uneven and it is often dirty.
