Actor-couple Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia Deshmukh turned vegetarian three years ago. They say the lifestyle has made a noticeable difference in their lives. “Our energy levels while working out are much higher compared to when we were non-vegetarian. It feels like the body has more oxygen,” shared Riteish.
On World Vegan Day today, Genelia recalled how her elder son Riaan Deshmukh planted the idea of going vegan in her head a few years ago. She said, “He came home from school and told me, ‘Aai, you love Flash (our dog) and you eat chicken. Both are animals. What’s the difference?’ That put me on the road to understanding what I was doing.”
They want to spread awareness about veganism. Their sons Riaan, and Rahyl Deshmukh have joined the bandwagon. Riteish said, “It is not just about veganism, but growing awareness [about it]. With every bite, it’s a conscious decision that one takes. We are trying to share something that we have experienced after becoming vegan. We did our blood work, and the doctor says it looks younger. So, there’s quantifiable proof. It’s one step for animals who cannot speak for themselves.”
On the other hand, Genelia concluded, “They are in school and they often go to birthday parties, where they cannot eat half the things. But they have never complained about it. They feel that it’s their cause too. As parents, we smile and feel that we are in it together.” She thinks that she and her husband will “always be vegan,” but for their sons, it will be their choice to follow the lifestyle forever or give it up.