Did Hansal Mehta's Unhealthy Choices Lead to a Heart Stunt?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Long outdoor shoots can adversely affect health.
- Healthy coping mechanisms are crucial in high-pressure jobs.
- Cooking for oneself can promote better health.
- Filmmaking can be balanced with self-care.
- Mehta's experience serves as a lesson for others in the industry.
Mumbai, July 6 (NationPress) Being a director often requires extended periods away from home, which can severely impact one’s ability to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Renowned filmmaker Hansal Mehta shared insights about his unhealthy coping mechanisms during the production of Kangana Ranaut's "Simran," which ultimately resulted in him needing a stent in his heart less than a year later.
In his recent Instagram post, he stated, "Extended outdoor shoots don’t necessarily have to be overwhelming. They can also be a time for reflection - provided you aren’t constantly trying to escape your own reality."
While filming "Simran," Mehta spent months doing just that. He turned to food and drinks to numb the pressure, which did not yield positive results. "A year later, I had a stent in my heart. It turns out that denial isn’t an effective health strategy," he reflected.
However, Mehta has since learned from his experiences. Now, during outdoor shoots, he prioritizes staying in an apartment equipped with a kitchen, allowing him to prepare his own meals and incorporate regular exercise into his routine.
"Since then, I adhere to one principle: always choose an apartment with a kitchen. I bring along a few essential cooking gadgets (most of which I leave behind for crew members), prepare my meals, exercise, film, and in the process, I’ve discovered the joy of my own company," he added, reflecting on his journey.
The post featured a photo of his meal consisting of rajma rice and eggs with a side of raw onions. "This dish—rajma, Sri Lankan purple rice, eggs, and raw onions—might not score high on aesthetics, but it’s made with purpose. Perhaps similar to the narratives I now share," he remarked.
“Filmmaking doesn’t have to be detrimental to your health. If approached correctly and balanced with self-care, it can actually enhance your well-being,” concluded the creator of ‘Scoop.’
Mehta's latest cinematic venture was the gripping thriller "The Buckingham Murders," featuring notable actors such as Kareena Kapoor, Keith Allen, Ranveer Brar, Prabhleen Sandhu, Sarah-Jane Dias, and Manish Gandhi in pivotal roles.