Gaurav Chopra’s riding high on the success of Gadar 2, but the actor seems unfazed by the new-found popularity and tells us how he’s learned the art of switching off by not taking highs and lows at work too seriously. And, maybe, that has something to do with a mindful morning routine, a limited food intake and holistic practices he’s been applying for years. In a candid chat, Chopra shares the inside track with us.   

How do you start your mornings?  
Gaurav Chopra: I begin the day with a few basic sketches to energise myself, followed by a glass of warm water and some dry fruits. I enjoy sitting out for a while in the sun. Sometimes, I meditate outdoors if the weather is good. I don’t usually do heavy breakfasts, so they’re mostly fruits. Mornings are scared so you’re most likely to find me relaxing and setting the tone for the day.  

What will we see sitting on your bathroom shelf? 
GC: My bathroom shelf is very boring. You’ll see a trimmer, razor and a couple of colognes besides the usual stuff.  

Your day and night fragrances? 
GC: Dior Homme Intense Eau De Parfum Spray for Men and Montblanc Legend. They’re my current favourites and I wear it basis how I’m feeling. 

How do you like your coffee? 
GC: Not a coffee or tea person. I’m big on natural, homemade juices.  

What does your first meal entail? 
GC: I don’t have breakfast. I usually do brunches and they’re mostly a good source of protein along with some salads and fibre-rich carbs. I like to keep variating with the cuisines. I love Italian and Mediterranean food and like to keep my meals balanced, wholesome and different so that it doesn’t get boring.  

What’s your daily workout like? 
GC: I’m not a very intense workout kind of guy. I mostly do yoga and stretches about thrice a week. It also depends on the role I’m preparing for.  

Different news portals you check out in the morning? 
GC: No social media or news for me in the morning. I usually sit with a newspaper (a TOI or Hindustan Times) sometime later during the day. It’s old-school, yes, but it has a charm of its own. 

 Morning Music 
GC: Mostly instrumental. Indian classical or something from the 90s. I tend to stay with my own thoughts in the morning so the music I listen to should be conducive to that.  

What are you currently reading? 
GC: Six scripts at the moment.  

 Three things we’ll always find on your nightstand. 
GC: My script or a book. My mobiles and charger. I try to keep them as far as possible from my sleeping spot.  

Grooming essentials you swear by and a recent find you’d recommend? 
GC: For my skin, I don’t really do much except for the fact that I try to keep it hydrated.I love serums with hyaluronic acid and Vit. C, and these are the recent finds I’d recommend to those who haven’t been able to get adequate sleep lately.