Indian cricket star Virat Kohli has often expressed how his wife, actress Anushka Sharma, transformed his perspective on food, health, and animals. The cricketer adopted a vegetarian diet due to health reasons, but he also acknowledged Anushka's deep compassion for animals as a pivotal influence on his decision. The couple, who married in 2017 and are parents to daughter Vamika and son Akaay, continue to follow a vegetarian lifestyle while savoring diverse cuisines across India and abroad.
Virat Kohli Credits Anushka Sharma for Lifestyle Change
In a 2020 interview with Vogue, Virat spoke candidly about Anushka's impact on his life and dietary choices. “Anushka has given me a new lease on life. I was not the most understanding or balanced person before I met her. She has inspired me to be a better human being and I feel blessed to spend my life with the most amazing woman I know,” he said. He further revealed that Anushka's love for animals reshaped his views on consuming meat. “Anushka has been vegetarian for four years, while I turned to it two years ago for health reasons. I can never eat meat again because of her love for animals—it made me look at things differently,” he stated.
During an Instagram Live session, Virat described his transition to vegetarianism as the “best decision” he ever made. “It made me feel why I didn't do it before,” he remarked, emphasizing the positive impact on his well-being.
Anushka Sharma's Vegetarian Journey and Food Stories
Anushka Sharma adopted a vegetarian diet in 2015. In a 2017 interview with Elle India, she explained, “It was difficult for me to turn vegetarian, but it was a conscious choice I made.” She attributed the lifestyle change to her love for animals and spiritual reasons. “My love for animals and spiritual reasons brought on this lifestyle change,” she said. She also noted health benefits, stating, “I've noticed that since I've switched to vegetarianism, I don't fall sick as often. Also, I've become more conscious about the environment. I want to set the right kind of example as a human being.”
The couple's food preferences have accompanied them on their travels. A 2023 Vogue profile highlighted their enjoyment of dishes at Tendril in London, including Chinatown purple potatoes, carrot with tahini and pomegranate salad, Nduja squash tostada, and cauliflower moilee with pita bread.
Chef Harsh Dixit told The Hollywood Reporter India that he once prepared pho for their anniversary dinner. “There's chicken and beef in the broth. But they were eating gluten-free at the time, so we went with rice noodles, which are traditional in Pho and gluten-free,” he explained. He also served snake gourd as playful “snakes” for the vegan meal.
In 2022, Anushka discovered Delhi-style chole bhature for Virat at Delhi Se in Mumbai. The Indian Express reported that her social media post brought renewed attention to the struggling restaurant. Pinkvilla Biz later noted that fans blocked the road when the couple visited Bengaluru's CTR, one of Anushka's favorite college-day spots.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available interviews and reports. The views expressed are those of the individuals quoted.
