Eye of the Tiger

Shooting for films demands hectic schedules with unending working hours, how do you manage to take time out for working out?

To be very honest, I have not been a part of a lot of films and I am not on a continuous shoot schedule throughout the year. Thus, I get a fair amount of time to prepare for my films. Even the current film which I’m shooting with Bejoy Nambiar, Taish, gave me ample time to work out. But, yes, while I am shooting, I have to plan my routine entirely. I remember for Sanam Teri Kasam, we were shooting for 16 hours a day, so I divided my day for my schedules and workouts. If you have the will and passion to look a certain way, you can make it right. It is similar to how some working mothers find time to cook for their children. So, either you can make excuses or you can make time.

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We have perhaps never seen you in bad form, so tell us, when did you get serious about fitness?

The reason why you have not seen me in bad form is that I have not got myself clicked a lot. I never cared to dress up in a decent manner. I got serious about my fitness when I got my first Hindi film. I was guided by Vinod Channa, the fitness expert and John Abraham recommended him to me. Since then I started taking fitness a little more seriously because it is a visual medium to communicate with people. Also, you ought to look presentable if you are appearing on the big screen. A decorum needs to be followed. So I respect the process, which made me a better person.

What is your take on natural bodybuilding? Do you think it is possible for someone to achieve a good body without the use of steroids?

Well, I think nature holds a lot of potential to influence change. It is gradual yet so diverse. Its effect can be seen not only on flora and fauna but also on bodybuilding. I believe that its extent in my life is beyond bodybuilding. I prefer a simple and natural lifestyle. I am not familiar with artificial methods like steroids to bulk up because whatever I have achieved is acquired naturally. Always remember that you can do this absolutely without the use of any unnatural substance.

You are in a profession that is so competitive, how do you remain motivated?

I am in a profession, which is very competitive, it’s indeed a tough game to remain motivated. But, I know that this was the path I always dreamt for, considering the flaws it carries. This is where I always wanted to be. I was never forced to walk on this road, it has been chosen by me. I embarked on this journey, therefore, I’m always naturally motivated. I would suggest that if you do something that you love, be it as a source of income, or as a job, if you really love it, then you don’t need any motivation.

What is the best piece of fitness advice you have received?

The greatest fitness advice that I can apply literally in all the sectors of my life including fitness was quoted by the legend Bruce Lee. He used to say that I pray not for an easy life but for giving me the strength to endure a difficult life. So, I think that works for me everywhere.

Walk us through your typical day at the gym?

At the gym, I usually follow what my trainer tells me to do. You would be surprised to know that I don’t even know 80 per cent of the names of the exercises that I do. I just do it and I do not even ask about their technicalities.

Do you think cheat meals are important? How do you indulge yourself?

The human body is the most intelligent machine you would ever come across. The biggest characteristic that you are imbibed with is evolution. It is my personal favourite as it never fails to amaze me. I feel that you need to shock your body if you are on a very strict diet. This way, your body does not adapt to a monotonous regime. If your body gets immune to the same diet, it will stop giving you the desired results. It will reach a plateau or saturation point above which no more substance can be absorbed. So, I think you need to surprise your body. If I’m not shooting, I eat one cheat meal in two weeks. If I’m shooting, I take one cheat meal in a month.

In your opinion, what are the most common mistakes people make at the gym?

I am not a pro gymmer but according to me, the most frequent mistake that people commit in the gym is giving up. Quitting has never been a solution to any problem because the pain and pressure you will feel today is the strength you are going to need tomorrow. The second most common mistake I have observed is being influenced by people who push you to take shortcuts. I think you should never listen to people who persuade you to opt for easy alternatives. You should listen to the people who ask you to take a long way, I think that can never go wrong.

What is the real deal about fitness supplements? Do you think they are effective?

Fitness supplements are just like those additional books we studied along with the main prescribed books in our schools. Those supplement books were a little more advanced and boosted our knowledge. Just like that, fitness supplements are for people who have already reached 90-95 per cent of their fitness goals. To increase that 5 per cent you need supplements. Consuming them is very subjective. To keep it fancy as well as subtle, I would suggest fitness enthusiasts to incorporate fish oil in their diet. It is not only good for your hair but also aids in giving that natural glow. Calcium is another useful supplement which is good for your bones and a must have for fitness freaks. I prefer acquiring supplements naturally. Simply wake up at 6 AM and indulge in outdoor exercise. The sun will treat you with vitamin D, which is very crucial for absorbing the calcium you need to make you healthy and strong.

In an age where everyone is connected, are you pro-technology or do you think digital detoxes are necessary?

In a generation where you get FOMO (fear of missing out) when you are away from your phone even for five minutes, a digital detox is imperative. Detox from everything is important as it helps you to get rid of toxins in the body and develop the habits that will keep you on track for a healthier life. A detox will make your mind sharper, more efficient, and effective. Remember that whatever detox regime you’re following, do it at least 20 minutes a day.

If you could just do one workout for the rest of your life, what would you choose and why?

My favourite workout which I can do endlessly is a burpee. I think a burpee is a complete package. It is a full body strength training exercise and the ultimate example of functional fitness. It improves your endurance and does complete conditioning of your body. I do not do it very often because it is very tough and complicated. It is one of the most effective and crazy challenging exercises out there.

Share some fitness tips and tricks for our readers to get a toned physique like yours.

First things first, do not let anyone influence you to take a shortcut. It will never lead you towards your goal. The second is an extension of the first, which is, take the longer route always, no matter whatever objective you have set for yourself. Next is proper discipline, which is highly underrated in today’s time. It is a bridge to your goal and once you realise its importance, you will feel its effect in your life. Number four, keep it cool, keep it stylish, make it look good always. If you peek inside any success story you will notice the passion and difficulties, which have gone behind carving it. And the final one, smile while you are doing whatever you are doing. If you’re not smiling, your results would drop down by 50 per cent and I’m not exaggerating, it is actually true.

Give us an insight into your future projects?

I am working in a film called Taish, it is about rage and revenge, directed by my favourite Bejoy Nambiar. The actors I am working with are Amit Sadh and Jim Sarbh, both of them are great professionals and brilliant actors. I am really excited to work with them all.

Take Your Pick

• Working out at the gym or working out at home? Working out at the gym
• Good hair days or good health days? If you will have good health, you will have good hair, so good health days
• Cardio or weight lifting? Both
• iPhone or Android? iPhone
• Cricket or football? Cricket
• Tattoo or no tattoo? Tattoo, lots of them

Quick Favourites

• Exercise: Animal Flow
• Smoothie flavour: Strawberry
• Cheat meal: Dal Chawal and aloo ki sabzi
• Body part to train: My brain
• TV Show: Archer
• Holiday destination: Turkey
• Actor: A mix of Chris Evans, Brad Pitt, Keanu Reeves, Chris Hemsworth, Prabhas, and Will Smith

Rapid Fire

• Your go-to fitness song? It is embarrassing but I’ve worked out a lot from Ishq Wala Love from the first Student of the Year film
• A book you read that positively shaped you? I am dyslexic so I don’t read a lot, but I started with Bhagavad Gita
• If you could trade lives with anyone for a day, who would it be? I would not like to trade my life with anyone and I like my set of strength and weaknesses
• What is your greatest fitness obsession? My Trainer Vinod Channa
• What inspired you to take the fit life? My career
• If you woke up one morning with a huge stomach, what would you do? I would first cry and then call up my trainer, and would just start cycling to my gym. But make sure it becomes flat in the next three-four months.
• On a scale of 1 to 10, how good is your fitness level? 6 and a half-seven

From the July 2019 issue of FHM India.