World No-Tobacco Day: Purab Kohli began smoking at 15, reveals how he quit 

Purab Kohli

On the occasion of World No-Tobacoco Day, actor Purab Kohli has revealed how he got rid of his smoking addiction. He revealed that he began smoking at the young age of 15 and decided to quit in his late 20s. Recalling his methods of getting rid of the habit, he said it was "not a cakewalk".

Talking to Hindustan Times, Purab Kohli shared, "I was around 15-16 years old. We always know that smoking is bad and we had already heard some terrible stories so we knew we were doing something that was not good. Smoking looked attractive at that time, as this macho thing. But, I started it just to feel cool."

Deciding to quit:

The realisation to take charge and get rid of the smoking habit came to Kohli in his late 20s. By then it had been a decade of smoking for the actor. "I could see that when I was stressed with work, I would do it even more. I reached a point where I wanted to try and give it up to see if I could really do it. I said to myself, I have smoked for 10-12 years, can I not smoke for one year? I even marked the date. I kept myself motivated through that as well. And I am quite committed, when I make a decision, I stick to it," revealed Kohli.

"I just woke up one morning and said that I have to stop. I did stop smoking, but it was very hard. I bought one cigarette and I used to keep that in my hand and never light it. I used to hold it in my hand and puff away on it without lighting it and slowly the feeling of wanting it went away. Even the shops that I used to buy it from, whenever I crossed them, I used to feel like smoking. I started realising how strong of an addiction I had to tobacco," he added.

Physical impact of quitting:

However, giving up on an addiction takes a toll briefly on your physical and mental health. "There was a physical impact also happening, like my tummy was being all funny and I used to eat and get indigestion. It was physically hard for my body, not a cakewalk at that time."

"I am quite strong-headed. If I make a decision, I stick to it. I wanted to see that I have smoked for 10-12 years, can I not smoke for one year? I even marked the date and wanted to see. I gave myself one year and that's how I kept myself committed. I lit one up next year and I hated it. When you don't smoke for a long while, you realise how disgusting it tastes. It felt horrible," the 'Rock On' actor shared.

Relapse and round 2 of quitting:

While with great determination Purab started getting rid of smoking, he got offered a role that required him to smoke. "I didn't smoke for 3-4 years after that but there was a role for which I had to smoke and then I started smoking for a short period again in my early thirties. I already knew I had stopped once and how much difference it makes while working out."

"The second time I quit was for forever. Once you get over the initial 6-7 months, it gets better. You feel drowsy and sleepy, and even tend to gain weight when you are trying to quit. I remember eating carrots and cucumbers for crunchy munching so that I don't crave a lot. It helped me create good habits. My skin looks better now and my mind is so rested. The deep and fulfilling breaths, wow! I feel so happy that I don't feel that craving anymore, it has been more than 13-14 years since I last smoked," Kohli shared.