THE FITTEST IS THE WINNER

The winner of MFI, Anjali Adik Punater says that the campaign, with Suniel Shetty and Baba Ramdev as mentors, was the perfect ‘excuse to start’ being fit

When she first got to know about Mission Fit India (MFI), a 120day campaign by Fever FM and My FM, through Facebook, 45-year-old homemaker Anjali Adik Punater was convinced that it was the perfect opportunity to finally claim her fitness back. Spearheaded by actor Suniel Shetty and yoga guru Baba Ramdev, the campaign in its final week announced her as the winner. A transformed Anjali says it feels as if she has won the Miss Universe crown.

In a candid chat after her MFI journey, Anjali says, “The MFI campaign is the best thing to have happened to me. I am so glad the concept is such that any and everyone with or without equipment can find their way to better health. Eat what’s locally available, no burning a hole in your pocket, and constant guidance.”

The pounds had piled up over the years owing to several personal reasons, shares Anjali. So, when MFI came along, it was “a great excuse to get started”. She adds, “Seeing that this was Anna aka Suneil Shetty’s initiative, I was more than convinced about the concept and its authenticity.”

Meeting Shetty was one of the high points of the journey. “Listening to his valuable inputs was an enriching experience, as he is a living example of fitness and good health!” she gushes. Anjali feels lucky to have met Baba Ramdev in the finale event, too. “I think he has revived yoga in our country, given it a new dimension, so more people have begun practicing it on a regular basis,” she says.

Anjali, who was Mumbai RJ Sidhu’s buddy, might have lost just 2.5kgs, but the “flattering part is the inch loss”. She adds, “I don’t know after how long I enjoyed getting my clothes tightened.”

And life has changed after MFI for Anjali. “I’m conscious of what, when and how much I eat, and also fairly regular with the gym. [Now] I want to be a role model for others who think age, situation or any other reason is a barrier. Health is definitely first. My food habits are focused on correct intake and proportion,” she says.

But being healthy isn’t just about checking one’s food habits. “It has to be a combination of positive mind, good food and workouts. I intend to balance all these factors to make my life more worthwhile. Vrinda Mehta, Shivoham and Shweta Bhatia trainers from Suniel ki Sena have etched a very special place in my life,” says Anjali.

The concept is such that any and everyone with or without equipment can find their way to better health. Eat what’s locally available... no burning a hole in your pocket.

ANJALI ADIK PUNATER WINNER, MFI

PHOTO: KALPAK PATHAK/HT Baba Ramdev brought the importance of yoga and ayurveda to the campaign Suniel Shetty was one of the spearheads of the Mission Fit India campaign MFI winner Anjali Adik Punater