It's finally out. A fitness freak and ardent advocate of a healthy lifestyle, Lara Dutta has launched her first in the series of three DVDs titled Yoga: Recovery and Rejuvanation.

Here the actress explains why yoga instead of workout, talks about the research and finally replies to Bipasha Basu's accusation of stealing her idea. Read on....

Why yoga instead of a general fitness DVD?
I feel that when one embarks on a life-altering experience one has to start slow. It's a mental decision that you make only when you are determined. Aspects like weight loss and nutrition come at a later stage, but first you need determination. The first step before approaching anything to do with fitness is getting your mind strong, and yoga helps to achieve that.

Explain the title.
I have called it Restoration and Rejuvenation because that's what yoga does to your body. It works on every single muscle giving you a sense of calm and well being. It's a slow process and more like a foundation to what will follow later on.

After the first DVD, I have two other titled Power Play and Posture Perfect. These two are more dynamic in nature and focus on aspects like being active, cardio, toning and strengthening your core. I have incorporated elements like pilates and other forms of exercise as well.

How much do you know about yoga?
I have been practicing yoga for the last 10 years. I started in New York during my Miss Universe days, when my life was crazy and hectic. I was looking for something that would stabilize me and give me some kind of composure.

I have tried every kind of yoga from Iyengar, Ashtang, Hathayoga and even Aquayoga. It is now an irreplaceable part of my life.

The way it helps me tune into myself and find focus is amazing. I don't think any other form of exercise can help you achieve the same results.

Did you have an expert involved?
Tonia Clark who's a certified Yoga Alliance instructor from Vancouver, has worked with me on the DVD and has been my instructor for the last two years.

The best thing I learnt from her is that you need to find a specific workout pattern that works for you. I have modified the asanas for beginners. It's also important to know that it's okay to feel frustrated and irritated while performing these asanas in the intial stage.

That's why I have Tonia who explains each and every posture, breathing techniques, how long to hold the position in detail. The attempt is to make this an enjoyable process rather than something cumbersome.

Who is the DVD aimed at?
Honestly, I believe yoga transcends age barriers. You can do it at any age and it's gender neutral. I have adapted universal routines that can be followed by anyone of any age.

You can be sitting in your office and doing some breathing techniques or even find some time between your daily chores to do them. I have had a mom with her four and a half month old baby to an older gentleman come for the yoga class. Later on, I plan to expand and cover asanas for expecting moms as well.

Tell us about the features you have on the DVD.
Well I have extras that cover FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) on food and diets. I get a lot fan mail asking about my personal diet chart and the regime. I have shared that on the dvd. The duration of the yoga exercises is 40 mins, after that there's also a feature on pranayam and breathing techniques that help you combat stress.

How different is it from other DVDs out in the market?
We researched for over a year. I had to decide what routines to incorporate that would be easy and effective at the same time. I am a huge fan of fitness DVDs and think there's a growing market for them. There is a huge audience that wants to absorb all this information to help them lead a holistic lifestyle.

Bipasha feels you copied her idea. Comment.
Everyone has their own space and philosophy. I am not following anyone's footsteps. In fact Shilpa (Shetty) brought out her series of DVDs before any of us. So there is no question of copying or following anyone.

When do you launch the other two DVDs?
We are spacing the launch of Power Play and Posture Perfect in the next four months. Once all the three are out, people can pick and choose what they want according to their preference.

DVD Basics

What - Yoga: Recovery and Rejuvenation
Produced by - Big Daddy Productions and Bheegi Basanti Entertainment
Price - DVD - 299, VCD - 199, Hindi VCD - 99
Duration - 40 minutes of yoga, followed by commentary on nutrition and diet