Balance Over Deprivation
Rani Mukerji openly advocates for a holistic view of well-being, firmly rejecting the notion that severe dietary restrictions are the path to a healthy
lifestyle. She firmly believes that true wellness is achieved through a harmonious balance, allowing for enjoyment of life's pleasures rather than constant denial. Her perspective is deeply rooted in her cultural heritage, particularly the rich culinary traditions of Bengal. Rather than chasing fleeting trends in extreme eating plans, Mukerji finds her dietary compass guided by her upbringing and long-standing preferences. This means that staples like rice-based meals and flavorful fish dishes are non-negotiable components of her daily life, rendering any form of rigid, impractical dieting virtually impossible for her to adhere to.
Cherishing Bengali Flavors
In a candid conversation with Faye D’Souza, Rani Mukerji articulated her profound appreciation for authentic Bengali cuisine, a sentiment that deeply resonated with many, especially those from the Bengali community. When posed with the question of whether she would ever consider adopting a popular, trendy diet, her response was immediate and unwavering: absolutely not. She explained her stance with a touch of humor, stating, 'As a Bengali, will you ever get into one of these diets? No. I can’t. Because I can’t enjoy fish that is not fried. Yeah… so it’s a problem.' She further elaborated on her unwavering preference for traditional sweetness, mentioning, 'And I have to have my gur. Gur is sugar in a way, you know. Just because it doesn’t say sugar doesn’t mean it’s not sweet.' This highlights her philosophy of embracing the flavors she loves without guilt or unnecessary restriction.
The Indispensable Rice
Rani Mukerji is resolute about the central role of rice in her diet, even when it might seem contrary to conventional nutritional advice. She candidly admits that concerns such as the glycaemic impact of rice do little to sway her from her deep affection for comforting, home-style meals. 'And I have to eat my rice. So the glycemic index has to shoot up. I can’t help it…And I have to have my aloo sheddo, the boiled aloo mash. Have to have those things,' she shared. Her connection to rice is further strengthened by her childhood spent in southern India, where it has always been a fundamental part of her plate. She expressed that meals feel incomplete without it, particularly when accompanied by a flavorful fish curry. 'I grew up in the South. I can’t do without the rice. Rice, no? And fish curry. Yes. Have to have. Have to have,' she affirmed, underscoring the deep-seated nature of these food preferences.
