Gul Panag is proud of being a fitness freak

Feb 15, 2009 Joginder Tuteja

Mumbai, Feb 16 (IANS) She is a self-confessed fitness freak, leads a disciplined life and doesn't skip her workout regimen, but at the same time actress Gul Panag ensures her personal time-table doesn't disrupt her professional commitments.

Gul Panag started shooting last week for Ram Gopal Varma's much anticipated take on the media - "Rann". But before reporting for her 9 a.m. call for the shoot, she went for a quick run, a regime that she has been following throughout her professional stint.

Asked how she is able to manage her time, Gul said: "It's all about being disciplined in the way you set your daily routine.

"I do go out occasionally in the evenings but avoid late nights so that I can be fresh in the morning. Moreover, I have a set time for waking up in the morning and then ensuring that I keep some time aside for my walks."

The actress, whose father is an army officer, is particularly careful about her fitness routine when she is shooting for films.

"Come what may, but on shoot days I have to have to work out in the morning. No matter what is the call time, whether it is 9 a.m. or later, I completely avoid reporting on sets without having followed my regimen. But of course, I ensure that my reporting timelines are met," Gul told IANS.

The former Miss India, who got accolades for her powerful performance in "Dor" (2006), says it is strange that many people don't have much regard for fitness.

"I think fitness is far more relevant and underrated. Sad but true. It is crucial to have the energy to give your best all day long and more so in our profession where being in best shape is a bare necessity," she asserted.

"As I said, I work out regularly and moreover have extremely high fitness and endurance levels. Now that's something that I have proven time and again by running the 21-km marathon year after year," Gul added.

Talking about "Rann", she said she has good memories of her first day at work for the film. She confessed that though she has worked in quite a few films earlier, it was quite special to be directed by Ram Gopal Varma.

2009 is set to be a busy year for Gul considering her long line-up of films. Some of the projects in her kitty include "Straight", "Hello Darling", "Ek Rectangular Love Story", "Anubhav", "Phir Zindagi", a film with Prakash Jha productions and of course "Rann".