Began to understand how to truly live and navigate life: Heital Puniwala on the Art of Living

Mumbai: Actor Heital Puniwala, who was recently seen in Anurag Kashyap’s Kennedy, will soon be seen in the international thriller White, which follows Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s involvement in ending Colombia’s 52-year-old civil war. He has been following the spiritual leader’s foundation Art Of Living since 2007 and shared that it has helped him see life from a different perspective.
He said, “My mother joined it in 2004. She really liked it and practiced Sudarshan Kriya. She felt so calm and wonderful that she encouraged me to try it, praising the breathing techniques and meditation they teach. At the time, I ignored her, thinking yoga was something you do after 50; I didn’t really believe in gurus. However, about 6 to 8 months later, I joined the Art of Living. That’s how my journey began in 2007.”

“The growth I experienced afterward was incredible. I felt so calm and nice after doing Sudarshan Kriya and had many amazing experiences. I realized it was a great opportunity to grow. We always need a guru because while school teachers teach subjects like Math, Biology, and Geography, the Art of Living teaches you how to live life. After joining, I began to understand how to truly live and navigate life,” he added.
He revealed that practicing Sudarshan Kriya completely transformed his life. He said, “I became emotionally stable and learned to manage the intense anger and negativity I used to carry. Now, even if I get angry, it passes instantly because of the awareness I’ve gained.”
“This practice has not only made me emotionally stronger but also improved my professional acting skills. It taught me to be 100% present in every moment, which naturally enhanced my performances,” he added.
Heital believes knowledge is everywhere, but what matters is how one applies it. He said, “Just as one lesson from the Gita can change your life, the Sudarshan Kriya has become my foundation. People now often call me for guidance when they are struggling or feeling depressed, and I’m happy to help them find the same peace through breathing techniques.”
“I’ve learned that the mind can be your worst enemy, but you can skillfully master it by focusing on your breath, a wisdom I credit to Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ji,” he added.
Sharing an incident when he met the spiritual leader, he said, “In 2007, while doing theater in Surat, I attended a program by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ji. I joined the line for his blessing, and when my turn came, I impulsively told him I wanted to be an actor. He simply replied, ‘Yes, you are an actor; go ahead.’ A teacher later told me this was a significant sign because a guru sees your true path.”
“Encouraged, I moved to Mumbai. Soon after, I received a surprise call from Umesh Shukla for a lead role in a play. It was an amazing opportunity that started my journey in Mumbai, and during the rehearsals, I learned about opportunities in ad auditions,” he ended.