‘HAPPINESS IS THE BEST ENERGY BOOSTER’

Anil Kapoor on the secret to his youthful look and his relationship with his son based on new workout regimes

Only wine and Anil Kapoor get better with age. His fans agree and his social media account and photoshoots are proof. For the actor, the secret to his youthful look is a “healthy and happy mind”. He says that he bonds with son — Harsh Varrdhan Kapoor, another fitness enthusiast in the family — over new diet plans and workout regimes. Excerpts:

What’s the secret behind looking so young and fit even at 63?

Lots and lots of hard work. I don’t believe in taking short cuts. I put in the hours towards my fitness and I’m mindful of what I eat, and I spend as much time with my family as possible, so that I’m mentally at peace. Happiness is the key to looking and feeling young.

So, you do agree that staying positive and happy is the ultimate way to stay fit?

Yes, a healthy and happy mind is important for one’s wellbeing, be it in the personal or professional space. Mental health is perhaps one of the most underrated aspects of our lives. The fact is that happiness is the best energy booster there is. When you’re at peace with yourself and with the world around you, you’ll immediately notice your body reacting to that positivity.

What does your fitness regime entail?

It’s a combination of cardiovascular and muscletraining using a variety of exercises. I vary my workout often, so that my body doesn’t get too comfortable with any one style, but the key is consistency. I follow my routine quite diligently. Other than that, I also strictly follow a balanced diet.

Which is your all-time favourite workout?

Running is something that I truly enjoy and keep coming back to.

You recently took to social media to upload a picture where we can see you doing a plank workout challenge. How effective do you think it is for the body?

Harsh and I discuss everything. In fact, he keeps introducing me to new diets or workouts that he comes across and he also keeps a check on the variations I try. ANIL KAPOOR, ACTOR

I really believe it’s a great exercise if executed well. It’s a little difficult as it requires serious core strength but with practice and focus, you can get it right.

Which is that one film that required you to undergo a very taxing physical training?

Malang has been one of the most challenging projects from a physical transformation point of view. My role in it required a lot of physical training because my character is that of a policeman. To do just justice to the role, I had to train accordingly.

In today’s time of intense stress and unhealthy food habits, what would be your tip to stay fit?

Start small, but stay true. When people try to make big changes using drastic measures, they often fail because it’s not sustainable. Make small changes to your daily life and commit to a longterm goal. Fitness is a lifelong journey. The sooner you embark on it, the longer you’ll reap the benefits.

Do you discuss your fitness regime with your son, Harsh Varrdhan, who’s also a fitness freak?

Yes, we discuss everything. In fact, Harsh keeps introducing me to new diets or workouts that he comes across, and he also keeps a check on the variations I try.