India, June 21 -- Actor and fitness icon Vidyut Jammwal, known for his expertise in the martial art form Kalaripayattu, credits yoga for giving me balance. On International Day of Yoga, Vidyut says, "Yes, I am a martial artist and do Kalaripayattu. To master this art, one must embark on a journey of self-realisation. This is where yoga comes into play - it teaches the art of balancing the body and mind." Delving deeper into yogic science, the Commando actor explains, "As a fighter, it's crucial to know when not to fight and remain calm. Yoga provides that balance. Today, many people have fit bodies but suffer from depression because yoga hasn't entered their lives. The union of mind and body can be achieved through yoga! It helps you control your breath and teaches you how to remain calm and happy. You can be a fighter, but that inner calmness and breath control is essential and it can be gained through yoga." Over the years, he has immersed himself further in this ancient practice. "My understanding of yoga transformed after meeting guruji, Dr HR Nagendra, 82, who is also Prime Minister Narendra Modi's yoga guru. At his yoga university, they conducted tests on me. My perspective of the ancient scriptures and thoughts have evolved after deep discussion with him." Vidyut adds, "I have a passion to push myself. And, after tests at the yoga university, I realised this is possible because I can control my breathing - that's why I can sit in snow for hours! Sab saanson ka khel hai! A guru can guide you but true realisation comes within." Drawing a parallel between Kalaripayattu and yoga, he said one is like a word, the other an alphabet. "In sports - whether cricket, tennis or football - mastering one hand or leg can make you a world champion. But, only in yoga do you attain complete balance which can be achieved from the common yoga protocol. As a martial artist, I travel the world, and mostly people ask me about yoga. They assume all Indians practice it, which, sadly, is untrue." He encouraged beginners to take the first step. "Recently, at guruji's university I spoke in Sanskrit. I am fluent in the language and likely made mistakes but I tried. That's what I tell students, just try. You might go wrong, but trying starts the journey toward perfection. So, if you have not started yoga yet, begin now - at least the common yoga protocol, but under guidance." Vidyut expressed his fascination with the conch shell (shankh). "For the past year, I have been researching the shankh. Under guruji, I have made a shankh protocol in prayanam," he says on a signing off note....