When you Google “Anshula Kapoor,” initial results often describe her as Arjun Kapoor’s sister. While this is nothing to be frowned upon, it’s high time she is recognised for all she is —a writer, body positivity and mental health advocate, entrepreneur, and TEDx speaker. She’s refreshingly raw and candid on social media, frequently sharing her thoughts on fitness, diet, mental health, fashion, and the importance of self-acceptance.
In an exclusive interview, Anshula opens up about these topics, her sources of strength, and how therapy has helped her understand herself better. Read the edited excerpts below:
Q: You’ve been open about your fitness journey, often sharing your workout sessions. What does fitness mean to you, and why is it important?
Anshula Kapoor: For the longest time, fitness meant having a ripped body and looking a certain way. Over time, it’s evolved. Now, it’s about being healthy from the inside —ensuring my blood tests are normal and I can spend quality time with loved ones. It’s also about having a strong immune system that keeps me from falling ill frequently.
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Q: What does your daily workout routine look like? Is it something you enjoy, or do you exercise because you must?
Anshula Kapoor: When I started, exercise felt like a chore, but now I genuinely enjoy it because I’ve found workouts I love. It’s not the same thing every day—sometimes it’s dancing in my room, playing a racquet sport, or going for a walk. There’s a park nearby, and instead of typical date nights, my partner and I sometimes take brisk walks, chatting and exercising simultaneously. Exercise is about movement that makes me happy, not something that feels like a punishment.
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Q: For overall well-being, fitness and diet go hand-in-hand. What does your daily diet look like, and what do you indulge in?
Anshula Kapoor: My diet is fairly routine. Breakfast is an egg with veggies and a slice of Amaranth bread toast; with avocado sometimes. Black coffee is a must in the morning. Lunch is usually two jowar rotis with sabzi and chicken or dal, rice, and sabzi. For snacks, I opt for protein water or fruit with nuts to avoid glucose spikes, chicken keema tikkis, an egg sandwich or a quinoa wrap. Dinner is similar to lunch, and I limit eating out to a couple of times a week. After dinner, I indulge in a small treat like ice cream or chocolate, and post-workout, I have a protein-rich snack.
Q: You’ve been open about once feeling self-conscious about your body and clothing choices. What helped you embrace your body, despite societal beauty standards?
Anshula Kapoor: I spent much of my life conscious about my body, without exploring my passions, hiding in baggy clothes and unaware of fashion or self-love. This changed when I began therapy in my late 20s and early 30s, which helped me understand myself better and gain confidence. I shifted my focus from physical imperfections to inner growth.
I had the privilege of working with stylists who introduced me to new styles I hadn’t considered before. I’ve learned that perfection is subjective, and what matters is how I perceive myself. My body has supported me through challenges, and I now appreciate it for that. I focus on being healthy and accepting my body without stressing over minor weight fluctuations.
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Q: How do you prioritise mental health, especially when surrounded by social media and, in your case, cameras?
Anshula Kapoor: Everyone should prioritise their mental health, regardless of public visibility. On social media, aspirational content can be triggering. Certain social media content negatively impacted my body image and mental state, so I unfollowed those accounts and followed those that brought me joy, such as pet accounts and people with similar body types. This shift helped me find fashion inspiration and self-love, shaping my approach to social media with awareness of what I consume.
I also maintain regular therapy sessions, stay in touch with my feelings, and monitor my mental state daily. On tough days, I communicate openly with others for support. I also focus on enjoyable, nutritious eating and physical activities that uplift me. This is my mental health mantra: cultivating habits that prioritise my well-being.
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Q: Who has been your biggest source of strength in achieving your goals — from diet to fitness, and even professional?
Anshula Kapoor: To achieve personal goals like fitness and diet, you must be your source of strength. If the motivation doesn’t come from within, it’s unlikely to be sustainable. However, I’m grateful for the support of my brother and siblings, who are always there for me. Having a partner who celebrates my achievements as collective wins is also invaluable. Ultimately, my well-being is a shared commitment with those around me.
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Q: When did you realise the need to stay healthy and fit/when did your journey to good health begin?
Anshula Kapoor: My journey started during the lockdown after a health scare made me prioritise my physical health. I was already in therapy, beginning to understand my mental health. By the end of the first lockdown in 2020, I fully committed to this journey, which intertwined my mental and physical well-being.
Q: What is that one thing not many know about Anshula Kapoor?
Anshula Kapoor: I am a homebody and an ambivert. I love building LEGOs and using them as therapy. I don’t think many people know about that.
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Q: How do you unwind yourself? How important is ‘me-time’ for you?
Anshula Kapoor: Me-time is essential for me—whether it’s an evening, a few hours, or a whole day to disconnect from work and social obligations. As an ambivert, constant social engagement can drain me, so unwinding is important for my mental health. I enjoy having date nights with my partner at home or getting lost in a book on my Kindle, particularly rom-coms and romance novels. I can only truly unwind at home in my comfort zone. Being at home is key to my relaxation and recovery.
