Is it a workout or Ozempic?” That’s the comment dominating online chatter around Bhuvan Bam’s physical transformation. The actor and content creator, however, insists his approach is about balance. “I can’t make huge sacrifices to attain six-pack abs. I want to do what I can follow for life,” he tells mid-day.
Excerpts from the interview:
What prompted you to start a new fitness journey? From the outside, one would think, why does he need to lose weight or hit the gym?
It began with a project, but soon I realised I wasn’t regular. I was being unfair to my body. Initially, I thought I had to look like certain actors to be in films. Later, I accepted I’d never look like that. Everyone’s body is different. I wanted a physique I could maintain long-term without extreme diets or training.
On a regular day, what do you eat?
I eat everything — roti, rice, biryani, chaat papdi — but in moderation. If I indulge one day, I balance it at the gym the next. My day starts with black coffee before workouts, then eggs and a protein shake. Lunch is paneer or chicken with rice, with salad. In the evening, I have sweet potato. Dinner is usually fish or mutton with vegetables, but no rice or bread.
And how about sleep?
That’s my weak spot. Even if I go to bed at midnight, I often can’t sleep before 6 am. It started in college when I performed late nights. But during shoots, like with The Revolutionaries, I easily adjust and sleep at 11 pm.
There’s speculation about whether your transformation is natural. How do you react?
I don’t. People don’t see your daily effort, so they assume you are taking shortcuts. I’m documenting my journey and maybe 20 years later, I’ll release it as a full eight-episode series (chuckles).
Who were the people you wanted to look like?
There are many people in my gym I looked up to. I’d take pictures of my trainer and say, “This guy has such a natural physique. This is possible.” Some actors inspired me too; in Bollywood, Hrithik Roshan has always been an inspiration. If done right, his body is achievable. But for others, I realised that I’ll never be able to do that, which is hopefully good for me. Achieving that kind of body needs huge sacrifice, and I can’t give up biryani or chaat papdi.
Does Bollywood put pressure on male actors when it comes to an acceptable standards of physique?
Definitely. As a viewer, so many bodies on screen look unattainable. Producers often demand results in two months. I tell them, “I can’t guarantee that. What if I land in a hospital and you have to bear my expenses?” That usually brings logic to the conversation.
What’s your take on 6-pack-abs being a benchmark?
My trainer once said, “To get abs, you have to leave everything — even water.” I thought, “What nonsense.” If all actors look the same, it’s an eyesore. An average Indian doesn’t look like that. If I play someone from an underprivileged background with six-pack abs, it’s illogical. Beauty isn’t limited to one body type.
The Cheats: Saiyami Kher
What’s your cheat meal:
I love my chocolates, pizzas, fresh creams, and pani puri. So usually something from this list.
How often do you indulge:
Whenever I feel like it. We live once and I love my food. So I eat what I like in moderation.
Cheat meal Vs cheat day:
I eat what I want, in moderation.
Do you compensate for it:
No, I continue to train the way I do, and eat without guilt.
Inside Anjini Dhawan`s Fridge
Vegan ice-cream
Dahi
Coconut water
Litchis
Lactose free milk
Fitness tip that works for Sunaina Roshan
“Movement boosts cardio, heart health, and longevity. At the gym, my sneakers match my mood — bright for energy, black for strength. I switch shoes for cardio and weights, and love my new colourful pair. My favourites: a mat for stretches and glute work, and resistance bands for strength training or lighter days.”
