World Health Day! Suniel Shetty: Being fit and able to do things others my age can't do, is a blessing

'Wellness is far cheaper than illness’ – is a mantra that guides actor Suniel Shetty’s lifestyle. That could easily be the reason the 63-year-old is one of the healthiest actors in the industry right now. As the world celebrates World Health Day, we sit down with the ever-youthful Shetty to talk about his approach to health and wellness.

' There’s no replacement for good health'

For Shetty, his health is his biggest pride. He states, “Wherever I go every person will come and tell me, ‘Sir, at this age, you’re so fit. You’re so inspired’. That’s all I want to hear. When you hear that, you get inspired to do even better.”

Talking further about health he adds, “When you are coming of age, you realize being healthy, fit, being able to do the things that other people your age cannot do or can’t even think of doing, it’s a blessing. I’m constantly pushing the limits and putting it out there into the world about health, and fitness, only so that young kids can go back home and tell their parents to look at Suniel uncle and see how fit he is. It’s not to show off who I am or how good I am but just to inspire my generation into believing that there’s no replacement for good health.”

' A lot of kids are doing anabolic steroids and that’s an absolute no'

In an era where chiseled physiques are all the rage, Shetty bucks the trend by emphasizing that true health goes far beyond the superficial appeal of six-pack abs. “Everybody is not blessed with great abs. Everybody is not blessed with a lot of money that they can buy supplements or have trainers who can push you. A lot of kids are doing anabolic steroids and that’s an absolute no, because over a period it will tell you. I’m 60 plus and the only reason I train my abs is to make sure that I walk straight, I don’t hunch, and I don’t drag my feet. Tomorrow I’ll be able to play with my grandchild without having to take a break every two seconds, because the child’s energy is going to be different,” he explains.

Talking about his routine, he shares, "Consistency gives me confidence and confidence gives me a very healthy state of mind. My day starts at 5:30. I’m in the gym by 6:00. I sit outside in the balcony nurturing my plants, taking care of my plants. I have a very boring routine but that boring routine is what helps me maintain above average body."

'I am mentally very strong'

Good health encompasses not only physical well-being but also mental and emotional wellness. “I’m mentally very strong," the Hera Pheri actor admits. Talking about how he takes care of his mental health, he adds, "I’m obsessed with nature. I talk to my plants. I do my pranayama at least twice a week. I breathe right. I make sure that I eat right. Food takes care of 80% of your fitness physically and mentally. As Dala Lama always said, ‘happiness is the highest form of health’. I believe in it.'

When it comes to diet, Suniel is mindful of what he eats. He avoids foods that don’t agree with him and focuses on eating a balanced diet. “People should eat at the right time. By delaying stuff, you end up snacking. Understand what suits your body," he mentions.

He also adds, "When you train regularly, the dopamine and the adrenaline that you get after a workout is bliss. There are certain things that you have to be excited and continue to look forward to. I look forward to coming back home and spending time with Mana. My biggest excitement in my life, right now, is that child."