Sanjay gives up on booze

Party animal Sanjay Gupta gave up drinking and non-veg food on Christmas last year. Gupta, who has lost a lot of weight thanks to his new healthy lifestyle, is currently holidaying in Rishikesh meditating and living on vegetarian food. Sanjay Gupta confirms this for us from Rishikesh, "Yes, I've stopped drinking for the last six weeks now. It was high time I did so.

I had enough of being a bad boy. I have also got a bit spiritual and wanted a healthier, more fulfilling life. I have abused my body a lot for the last seven years when I became a heavy drinker. I drank non-stop for the last seven years and wasted a lot of time. I would sit and drink with my friends till late at night."

Gupta decided on the spur of the moment to change his lifestyle, "I wanted to walk away when I am still strong and healthy enough to do it. On December 24, I packed my bags and left for Pune alone. I stayed at home and visited the Osho Ashram. I decided to adopt a healthier lifestyle."

Gupta says although it was tough initially, he's doesn't miss his old ways, "It was more a habit than a physical or psychological need. I would drink because of the company when you have friends who drink you feel like joining them. I cut everything off and today I have made peace with myself completely.

In the process, I have discovered suddenly that I have a life after 9 pm I am discovering new places, restaurants, and many other things." Gupta is currently holidaying in Rishikesh at Paramarth Niketan. "I have taken a week off. I am working on my script too.

This is the same place where Sanju had done the last rites of his dad (Sunil Dutt). Vivek (Oberoi) is also a regular at this ashram. His sister got married here last year. In fact, I had spoke to Vivek and asked him to speak to Swamiji and set up for me to stay here. It's a massive beautiful ashram, right on the banks of the Ganga. The food is vegetarian but that's not an issue at all. I enjoy a light vegan meal once in a while."

Gupta has lost 18 kilos in the last three months. "I have been working out for three hours every day two hours with my trainer Sameer which includes cardio and intensive weight training and an hour of yoga. I am even controlling my diet.

Right now, I feel wonderful. I wake up every morning at sunrise to Om chants to a hectic day feeling stronger and in control of my mind and body. Ekta and I have also finalised some fantastic films, so it's a second innings for me."