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Sudha Menon

She has discovered "the luxury of doing nothing"

Being the Joint Managing Director of one of the country's oldest two-wheeler manufacturers, Kinetic Engineering, and the mother of a four-year-old, leaves Sulajja Firodia Motwani very little time for rest and recreation. "No luxurious spa or aromatherapy sessions for me, though I would love to indulge in these," she says. To unwind after a hard day's work, she spends time with her son... and finds it an instant stress-buster. "I know it sounds clichéd, but honestly, when I come home from work late in the evening, my son would be waiting for me and I just love to lounge around with him and do anything that he pleases."

She adds: "I know spending quality time is a phrase that people generally laugh at now, but when you spend as much as 12 hours at work, there is very little left for your family and I have to maximise what is left of my day. I try and do something creative with him every evening and if he is not in the mood for any action, we just read together and before I know it, the stress just drains away."

Sulajja also follows a strict fitness regimen, working out at one of the city's gyms at least 3-4 times a week. "I used to have a personal trainer just after my son's birth, but now I alternate between aerobics, light weights, step classes and kick boxing at the gym, which I find very interesting. The last two are excellent for working up your stamina levels and gymming by itself is great for wellness," she says.

She was into competitive badminton during her college days, but does not find time for it now. Instead, she jogs twice a week and recently ran the popular Mumbai 21-km half-marathon, using it to measure her fitness. "I also do yoga thrice a week which is great for the mind and body, and brings tranquillity and peace."

While most of her time is spent at the company's offices in Pune or in travelling (12-14 days a month), Sulajja takes time off every year for one family vacation abroad, her favourite being European destinations. "While I was studying and later, when I was working in the US, I got into scuba diving and skiing; I enjoy them even now, and Lake Tahoe is my favourite destination," she smiles.

The family also tries to take a couple of short breaks; Goa is their all-time favourite. "We just spend time in the pool, because I like the luxury of not doing anything and simply don't want to be rushed into going to the beach or indulging in water sports."

Hyderabad is another favourite destination because husband Manish's parents live there. The couple loves "just chilling with people", and hanging around the city that has a quaint charm.

Sulajja says she has mastered the fine art of grabbing half-an-hour "windows", doing things that she enjoys... like reading a book or spending some quiet moments alone. "I read a book or do just about anything that I have kept pending. Rest and recreation for me is all a state of mind and you have to work towards finding your balance in whatever circumstances you are in," she says.

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