International Yoga Day 2026 saw participation and messages from several Bollywood personalities, including Shilpa Shetty Kundra, Suniel Shetty, and Neil Nitin Mukesh. The actors opened up about the importance of yoga in promoting both physical and mental well-being.Shilpa Shetty spoke about yoga’s Indian origins and its increasing acceptance worldwide. She noted that the practice has now become a global movement embraced across cultures.“I feel very proud that yoga belongs to India and that people in the West are adopting it,” the ‘Dhadkan’ actor said while speaking to ANI.
Shilpa Shetty credits PM Modi for Yoga’s global reach
Shilpa Shetty praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his efforts in bringing yoga to international prominence. She credited his initiatives for expanding awareness and participation across India and abroad.“Our Prime Minister Narendra Modi has decided that he will give importance to yoga. The recognition that yoga has received in today’s times, it is because of him. I would like to thank him for this,” she said.She also referred to the Fit India Movement and encouraged citizens to actively participate in building a healthier nation. According to her, yoga should be integrated into daily life rather than being limited to a single-day observance.Voicing her support for the initiative, she said, “The movement of Fit India that he started, that dream, we have to make it come true.”
Suniel Shetty emphasises discipline and daily practice
Actor Suniel Shetty spoke about the importance of consistency in maintaining fitness through yoga. He stressed that yoga is not restricted by age and can benefit individuals at every stage of life.“It is very important to be consistent to stay fit. Whatever you do, it is very important to do it on a daily basis. Sometimes yoga can feel very boring. But it is all about breathing, stretching, and about life,” he told ANI.He further explained the benefits of breathing exercises and yoga practices for both physical health and emotional balance.“For a Longer life or weight loss, only breathing can help you. Pranayams help you, your asanas help you. It is not limited to any certain age. Yoga is equally important for kids to build patience, breathing, and control anxiety or depression,” he added.Suniel Shetty also acknowledged PM Modi’s role in elevating yoga globally. “With the establishment of Yoga Day, our Prime Minister Narendra Modi has proven that yoga belongs to India,” he said.
Neil Nitin Mukesh highlights mental fitness benefits
Actor Neil Nitin Mukesh focused on the importance of mental discipline and emotional balance. He said yoga helps individuals manage stress and improve concentration in daily life.“I believe fitness starts with yourself. If you believe in fitness, then it is very important to be mentally fit, and it is very important to have discipline. Yoga teaches you that,” he told ANI.He added that yoga is particularly helpful for young people dealing with fast-paced lifestyles and pressure.“Today, the youth appear in a rush to achieve something in life. Yoga helps to balance the pressure. It teaches us to concentrate on ourselves and control anxiety,” he said.Neil also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him a source of inspiration. “Our Prime Minister Narendra Modi, I learn a lot from him, and I am very impressed with him,” he said.
Yoga day celebrations
Filmmaker Anil Sharma also shared a brief message on the occasion, encouraging people to treat yoga as a daily practice. “If you celebrate yoga day every day, then you will remain fit… My wishes for the yoga day,” he said.The theme of International Day of Yoga 2026, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”, highlights the role of yoga in supporting physical health, emotional strength, and active ageing. The focus is on improving overall quality of life through regular practice.Since 2015, when the United Nations General Assembly adopted India’s proposal to observe June 21 as International Yoga Day, the initiative has grown into a global event. The Prime Minister has led celebrations from multiple locations over the years, including cities in India and abroad.This year, Yoga Day celebrations are being organised across nearly 2,500 locations worldwide, with participation from over 210 Indian Missions and Posts.