''Contrary to popular perception in the media, achieving 'size zero' is not healthy. In fact, for someone being called 'size zero' is not a complement. So, it is wrong on the part of the media to call someone 'size sero','' Shilpa said at a function for the release of ''Shilpa's Yoga'', an instructional video based on the ancient Indian practice of Yoga.
On the media increasingly calling her the main reference point for actresses trying to achieve a so called 'size zero' body, Shilpa said, ''I am not size zero, maybe 'size eight' but definitely not 'size zero'.''
About the media talk of Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor being the latest example of someone achieving 'size zero', Shilpa said, ''I don't think Kareena is 'size zero', maybe 'size four' or 'size five'.''
On her recipe for fitness, Shilpa said she was not in favour of indulging in crash diets to achieve a fit body.
''My Philosophy in life is 'eat well and work out hard'. At the same time, if you want to be healthy and fit, you need to have some discipline in terms of the diet you consume,'' the actress said.
Talking about her latest Yoga DVD, Shilpa said, ''it has been shot at the beautiful backwaters of God's own country 'Kerala'.'' She said the video was targetted at the international market.
''I was inspired with the idea of coming with this video after being told that all the Yoga DVDs in the market till now have been done by international experts on Yoga.
It surprised me to know that no Indian had till now come up with a video about Yoga which originated from India. So I decided to come up with one myself,'' Shilpa said.
The training and workshops in Yoga, which went into the making of the DVD, however, had the actress hooked on to the art.
''It was a great experience shooting for this video. In fact, after working on this DVD, I have myself become a great fan of Yoga. Practicing it has helped me achieve a healthy mind, body and soul.
''It is a management system for life and the most holistic approach to life that I have come across. It strengthens, tones and cures. It works on body, mind and soul. In short I can say that Yoga has had a spectacular impact on my life,'' Shilpa said.
Directed by Manisha Jha, under the instruction of well-known Yoga instructor Shiv Kumar Misra, 'Shilpa's Yoga' is picturised on the scenic beach with ceremonia elephants and Kalaripayattu fighters in the background and demonstrations of asanas in a simplified manner.
''The concept of the DVD is to make Yoga look simple, something that can be practised by anyone - from ten-year-olds to a 60-year- old,'' the actress said.
In reply to a question on whether she wanted to give competition to Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev, Shilpa said, ''there is no question of competition with Baba Ramdev. I am myself a big fan of him.
I admire him as a person who single-handedly has created a huge awareness for Yoga in the country and made it so accessible.'' Also present at the launch of the DVD were the joint managing director of Shemaroo entertainment Atul Maroo and its director Hiren Gada.