Bollywood films are bursting with bright colors and intricate dance numbers, with the infectious charisma of Bollywood’s leading actors resulting in iconic performances. It is no surprise that Indian cinematography is recognized world-wide, with fans tuning in to blockbusters on every continent. These Bollywood actors are not only leading men in the movies, but also focus on their fitness, setting a great example to fans.
Bollywood, like India itself, has been growing in power and influence over the past few decades. In a country of over 1.2 billion people, celebrities hold a great deal of influence on trends and social life. And no one is more visible than Bollywood actors, putting them in a unique position to promote a healthy lifestyle. Many high profile Bollywood heartthrobs have made their name by getting fit and they are at the forefront of a health and fitness movement that is resonating not only in India, but to their fans throughout the world.
HFR founder Samir Becic had this to say about the movie stars on this list: “Bollywood’s fittest actors don’t only represent a man in a leading role, but also India’s obsession with healthy lifestyle and fitness that has culminated over the last 10 years. That is why these actors are excellent ambassadors of a healthy lifestyle, not only on the Indian subcontinent, but rather for the entire world. Bollywood is becoming a second Hollywood”.
Here are the Top 10 from Health Fitness Revolution and author of the book ReSYNC Your Life Samir Becic:
Shah Rukh Khan
- Workout usually consists of weight training along with working on his abs, 4 times a week
- Also does about 30-60 minutes of cardio every day
- Protein drink after workout
- Follows a high-protein, low-fat diet
- Eats high fiber complex carbs
- Avoids alcohol and fried food
- Avoids simple carbohydrates and refined carbs that have added sugar
Salman Khan
- One of the first onscreen Indian heroes to work on their physique
- Follows a grueling workout regime and takes his fitness seriously
- Cycles from Bandra to Panvel occasionally and makes the 50 km (~31 mile) trip in 3 hours
- Known to do 1000 push-ups or 2000 sit-ups per day
- Workouts are usually 2 hours long, always including 1 hour of cardio
- Steers clear of all junk foods and avoids anything sugary
- Known to help others out with fitness
- Focuses on weight training
- Performs cardio for 1 hour
Aamir Khan
- Typically exercises 3 hours a day, 6 days a week
- Followed a mix of HIIT for cardio while training for Dhoom 3
- Eats frequently during the day in smaller portions
- Avoids sugar
- Eats vegetarian and non-vegetarian items
- Never loads carbs after 8 pm
- Eats a small meal before a workout
Hrithik Roshan
- Lost 10.5 kg (~23 pounds) and trimmed 7 cm (~3 inches) from his waistline in 10 weeks, without any fad diets, starvation, or a grueling exercise regime
- Diet plan had large amounts of proteins and other nutritious food items
- Displayed before and after pictures
- Aimed to spread the message that going from fat to fit is not as difficult as imagined
- Eats a lot of fibrous fiber
- Takes multivitamins, glutamine, and protein pancakes
Akshay Kumar
- Martial arts and adventure sports enthusiast
- Likes home cooked food and thinks it helps maintain his healthy physique
- Workout routine includes long walks, martial arts, stretching, yoga, swimming, and meditation
- Plays basketball at least 3 times each week
- Mixes various workouts to avoid monotony
- Emphasizes following a disciplined life
- Doesn’t take steroids or enhancers
- Doesn’t eat after 7 pm
- Uses his own body weight
- Doesn’t smoke
Shahid Kapoor
- Vegan dieter
- Consumes nutrient dense foods such as spinach, rice, vegetables, and fruits
- Endorses healthy fats and complex carbs in his diet
- Takes a whey protein supplement
- Mixes cardio and strength training in the gym
- Enjoys yoga, martial arts, and swimming
Farhan Akhtar
- For the movie Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, he trained very hard and stuck to a strict diet
- His physical activities included cycling swimming, football, and stair running for 5-6 hours a day
- Avoided processed foods and instead consumed egg whites, fresh fruits and vegetables, and lean protein
- Avoided bread, alcohol, and rice to get in shape for the movie
Ajay Devgan
- His health tips include maintaining a healthy diet, staying dedicated, and exercising regularly
- Incorporates 75 minutes of weight training and cardio when working out
- Prefers the more tough and rugged physical activities
- Sticks to a low carb diet before his workout, then indulges afterward
- Changes up his meal plan weekly
Arjun Rampal
- Prefers not to lift heavily, but to build stamina,do cardio, and engage in a variety of sports
- He claims that healthy living is not about being skin deep, but rather “getting in touch with your body” and focusing the mind
- Very health conscious about what he puts into his body and prefers whole healthy foods
- Recommends to “Spend at least an hour in the gym” every day
- Loves traveling to Goa to relax on the beach and get away from the famous life
Sidharth Malhotra
- Changes his workout program every 3-4 weeks to prevent boredom
- Enjoys cardio and combines it with weight training
- Drinks rarely
- Loads up on lean protein, like chicken and fish, as well as fruits and vegetables
- Loves to play football in leisure time and doesn’t like to push body beyond limits
