Niharika Chouksey on protein intake: black chana, paneer, and eggs
Synopsis
Niharika Chouksey, the face of Zee TV's 'Tumm Se Tumm Tak', says you don't need meat to hit your protein goals — her daily stack of black chana, paneer bowls, salads, and eggs is proof. The actress also reflects on how playing Anu reshaped her understanding of love, patience, and resilience.
Key Takeaways
Niharika Chouksey plays Anu in Zee TV 's 'Tumm Se Tumm Tak' .
Her protein staples include black chana , paneer bowls , salads , and eggs .
She argues it is a myth that adequate protein requires non-vegetarian food.
On-screen, her character Anu recently married Arya (played by Sharad Kelkar ) after overcoming multiple hurdles.
The show focuses on middle-class life, blending themes of family, tradition, and modernity.
Actress Niharika Chouksey, best known for playing Anu in the Zee TV show 'Tumm Se Tumm Tak', has opened up about how she keeps her protein intake on track — and her approach challenges the common assumption that adequate protein requires a non-vegetarian diet.
Her Protein Staples
Chouksey relies on a combination of plant-based and animal-based sources to meet her daily protein needs. 'Protein is important for everyone, whether you're an actor or not. It's essential for a healthy body. I also think it's a myth that you can only get enough protein from non-vegetarian food,' she said.
Her go-to vegetarian options include black chana, paneer bowls, and salads. Since she also eats non-vegetarian food, she makes it a point to include eggs regularly in her meals.
Busting the Protein Myth
'There are plenty of vegetarian options available,' Chouksey noted, adding that her diet is a deliberate mix rather than an afterthought. For many fitness-conscious individuals in India, where vegetarianism is widespread, her perspective offers a practical and relatable template. Nutritionists broadly agree that legumes like black chana and dairy products like paneer are strong protein sources for those avoiding meat.
Anu's Journey on 'Tumm Se Tumm Tak'
Off-screen wellness habits aside, Chouksey's on-screen character has been at the centre of one of the show's most emotionally charged storylines. In a recent track, Anu and Arya — played by Sharad Kelkar — finally married after navigating emotional setbacks, family hurdles, and societal pressures.
Reflecting on the arc, Chouksey said, 'When I look back at Anu's journey, I genuinely feel she has taught me so much. There were moments when everything seemed to be falling apart for her, but she never stopped believing in love. What I admire most about Anu is that her love was never blind or impulsive; it came from trust, patience, and understanding.'
She added, 'She stood by Arya not because life was easy, but because she believed in their bond, and I think that's something really beautiful.'
About the Show
'Tumm Se Tumm Tak' airs on Zee TV and centres on the textures of middle-class Indian life — family bonds, aspirations, and the push-and-pull between tradition and modernity. The show has built a loyal audience drawn to its grounded storytelling. With Anu and Arya's wedding now behind them, viewers will be watching to see what the next chapter holds for the couple.
Point of View
Which gives it more practical reach than most celebrity diet advice. Whether this translates into a broader wellness conversation around the show's audience remains to be seen, but the signal is worth noting.
NationPress
13 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Niharika Chouksey eat to maintain her protein intake?
Niharika Chouksey includes black chana, paneer bowls, and salads as her core vegetarian protein sources. She also eats eggs regularly since she follows a non-strict vegetarian diet.
Who is Niharika Chouksey?
Niharika Chouksey is an Indian television actress best known for playing the role of Anu in the Zee TV show 'Tumm Se Tumm Tak'. The show explores middle-class life, family dynamics, and the balance between tradition and modernity.
What is 'Tumm Se Tumm Tak' about?
'Tumm Se Tumm Tak' is a Zee TV drama that captures the nuances of middle-class Indian life, including family bonds, dreams, and the tension between tradition and modernity. A key storyline follows Anu and Arya's journey to marriage despite emotional and societal obstacles.
What did Niharika Chouksey say about vegetarian protein sources?
She said it is a myth that you can only get enough protein from non-vegetarian food, pointing to black chana and paneer as effective plant-based alternatives. She noted that plenty of vegetarian options are available for those who choose not to eat meat.
What has Niharika Chouksey said about her character Anu?
Chouksey has said that playing Anu taught her about love rooted in trust, patience, and understanding rather than impulse. She described Anu's decision to stand by Arya through hardship as 'something really beautiful.'
