I don’t fit the bill of the conventional hero of Bollywood films. Therefore, I cannot boast of brawn like many other heavyweights in the industry do. This means that I do not work towards looking like a ‘hero’ of the popcorn-variety films. Fortunately, I know the difference between staying fit and just muscle-building. To me, fitness is more about maintaining the height-weight ratio, keeping diseases at bay and feeling good about myself.

I feel sorry for those who believe that staying fit can only be done through dieting all the time — and this, in my opinion, leads you to nothing but anorexia. It destroys your immunity and peace of mind. You tend to become irritable and weak. What’s the point in doing this if you cannot be happy in the bargain? So for me, there are no strict rules but only a little bit of caution and care.

There are a few simple outlines that I always keep in mind. I try not giving the slip to exercising daily. I know this will come as a surprise but I am not a gym buff. I don’t like ‘sweating out’ in an air-conditioned gym. If you want to slog, then go outdoors. That’s the place to be. I make it a point to play any one outdoor sport everyday. On days when I have to go for a shoot I wake up by six in the morning and go out. I play either squash or rugby, or go for a swim.

When I am not going for shoots, I take it a little easy. I wake up a little late, say around eight. But that’s the only concession I give myself. The rest of the routine remains unchanged. It’s quite scary to be making too many concessions — it might become a habit that will cost me dear.

It’s all in the game...

I have been playing rugby for the last 21 years and though I am nicknamed ‘Pigmy’ in the Indian team, my rugby pals would definitely vouch for my fitness level. The amount of jostling and pushing and injuries that one has to sustain during the matches makes it mandatory for one to stay in shape. The fitness regime for rugby is indeed a rigorous one and it is merciless initially, but once you get used to it, it becomes a part of your being. You have to really sweat it out and give it your best shot — there are no two ways about that.

Busting stress

Besides this, I practise the Tibetan Lama rites — there is a cycle of five yogic exercises which makes the spine strong and flexible and also helps you to stay focused and relaxed. These five Tibetan rites are supposed to move your chakras at the same speed, thereby creating harmony and helping you to concentrate. I feel that most of our problems come from stress and it is important to follow a fitness regime for the mind as well — yoga is a great stress-reliever. I close my eyes, focus, attack the point that is causing me stress, and try to find a solution right away. I am not successful all the time and if I cannot solve the problem then I just let it be. The problem will resolve but it will take time — there is no point in meaningless raving and ranting.

Points to ponder

• Avoid junk food like potato chips or chocolates. Also, stay away from aerated drinks.

• Avoid tea or coffee. Caffeine is extremely bad for health and I have somehow managed without it despite my demanding profession.

• You can eat anything you like but you have to listen to the signal your body gives out.

• Take up an outdoor activity — run, play tennis or squash — the idea is to sweat it out.

• Don’t let stress and work-related tension get to your head. If that happens, no exercise or diet can help. Keep the mind fresh.

Rahul’s food fads

Here’s a quick look at the actor’s food philosophy and favourites As a young lad I was taught by my parents to eat anything, anytime and anywhere — thanks to that training I have turned out to be a real foodie. I eat like a lion — I just eat what I want, whenever I want and as much as I want. And when I am not hungry I do not eat at all.

I won’t be lured by the sight of anyone eating his head off. The bottomline is you should not over-indulge yourself. That’s what I have kept throughout and I have never had to go on a diet.

My meals usually comprise dal, chawal and sabzi. I am fond of Indian cuisine — especially Bengali and UP food. Apart from karela (bitter gourd) — which I abhor — I eat everything. I am not a fussy eater. I also like specialities of Far Eastern cuisine.