Actress Tanushree Dutta is once again making headlines after sharing a candid video on social media, where she opened up about her personal approach to food, fasting, and mental wellness.
Following Ayurvedic principles that view food as a healing force, Tanushree revealed that she observes a water-only fast during the holy month of Shravan — but breaks it after sunset with a hearty meal of mutton, kaali dal, and rice. Her post, which featured her cooking the meal herself, drew a mix of praise and criticism online.
One user mocked her in a comment that read, “Shravan... fast... mutton... fat... #respect,” accompanied by a laughing emoji. Tanushree didn’t hold back in her response.
“In Bengal, this is how we fast. We consume only water till evening, and then eat bhog offered to the Goddess, which traditionally includes goat meat,” she explained. “Different cultures have different practices. There shouldn’t be any judgment. Watch the full video before jumping to conclusions. Here come the ‘religious’ folks with their usual nasty, judgmental attitude.”
The actress further explained her dietary philosophy in the video, drawing a strong link between nutrition and mental health. She said that her carefully chosen meals, inspired by Ayurvedic wisdom, help her stay balanced and energized.
“Food is medicine,” Tanushree said. “Good nutrition is especially important when you’re dealing with emotional ups and downs.”
In her caption, she gave more insight into her method of fasting during Shravan:
“I fasted today till 7 PM for Shravan and then cooked this high-nutrition kaali dal with mutton and rice for dinner. Religious fasts don’t need to be rigid — they can be adapted to suit one’s physical needs. This style works best for me. I complete the fast, build mental strength, and then break it with a protein-rich, nourishing meal, so my body stays in top shape.”
Tanushree’s post has reignited conversations around spiritual rituals, food, and cultural diversity, with many users praising her honesty, while others remain critical. But as she pointed out, traditions differ widely across regions, and honoring one’s health should never be a cause for online shaming.