Gurmeet Choudhary, the television heartthrob, is the epitome of dedication when it comes to maintaining his fitness and preparing meticulously for his roles. Known for his remarkable physical transformation and unwavering discipline, Choudhary recently opened up about his rigorous training regimen and stringent dietary habits which have become cornerstones of his lifestyle, especially as he edges closer to turning 40.
Famed for his role as a RA&W agent in the series “Commander Karan Saxena,” Choudhary didn’t have to search far for motivation. “My dad, who trained new army recruits, was my primary inspiration. Since my childhood, I’ve watched and even joined him during training sessions,” he reflects. This early introduction to physical fitness nurtured his love for staying fit, and over time, he even attained a black belt. However, training for the role of a RA&W agent demanded a different level of physicality. “We shot in authentic locations and performed real fight sequences, which required extensive practice. My dad taught me essential skills like holding, loading a gun, and using it as a torch,” he recalls.
Having made his debut in a teleseries, Choudhary’s impressive physical stature has often drawn applause. “If I weren’t an actor, I’d probably be in the army,” he muses. The real game-changer in his fitness journey was sprinting. “Clocking 100 meters in 12 seconds pushed my coach to encourage me to compete in nationals, which significantly built my stamina,” he enthuses. Despite juggling multiple projects and sometimes going without sleep for days, his sprinting practice enabled him to endure such strenuous schedules. “Marathoners might be lean, but sprinters are muscular. Preparing for a 12-second sprint involves an hour of warming up and preparation. This routine allowed me to outperform sprinters in their 20s, thanks partly to years of strength training,” he explains.
Choudhary stresses the importance of weight training, drawing comparisons to Western training norms. “In the West, weight training is mandatory for retaining muscle mass, whether you’re a dancer or any sports-person. This muscle mass enhanced my sprinting abilities, complimented by my martial arts training. Together, they created a holistic fitness routine for me,” he states. His fitness regime involves evening lifts and morning sessions of MMA or sprinting.
Addressing the common belief that fitness success is 80 percent diet and 20 percent exercise, Choudhary offers a strong counter-opinion. “A fitness program depends 99 percent on diet. An absolutely regimented diet is crucial to achieving and maintaining a fantastic physique,” he asserts.
. His self-imposed dietary restrictions are intense—no samosas for 14 years and no sugar for many years. “At this point in my career, I feel like I’ve lost my taste buds. I’ve structured my body to reject hyper-palatable foods. This sacrifice has enabled my achievements. Only two percent of individuals make a name for themselves in this world, and it requires immense sacrifices,” he remarks.
Despite these restrictions, the battle isn’t easy. “Every morning, I wrestle with cravings for sugar and the temptation to skip the gym. However, it’s all worth it,” Choudhary admits. Alongside his wife, actor Debina Bonnerjee, Choudhary instills healthy eating habits in their children. “We avoid letting them watch screens during meals and ensure they’ve never consumed pizza or packaged foods. Their meals vary throughout the week to introduce them to new tastes,” he shares.
Choudhary’s day begins with butter coffee using ghee from Himachal Pradesh, followed by a juice comprising celery, lemon, ginger, amla, and mint an hour later. His breakfast includes five whole eggs, five egg whites, and avocado. An hour later, he snacks on soaked and peeled almonds with milk. Lunch typically consists of boiled chicken with broccoli and mushrooms, with some blueberries later in the day. In the evening, he has avocado and grilled fish or boiled chicken. His day ends with a protein shake supplemented with required nutrients.
In a lighter segment, Shalini Pandey, another actor, shared her notion of cheat meals. “Chocolate cake is my ultimate comfort dessert, while a flavourful biryani is another option,” she admits, indulging frequently due to her active lifestyle. This flexibility extends to cheat days as well, varying with the week’s demands.
Notably, Milind Soman emphasizes the significance of mental grit in fitness. “Everyone can run; our species evolved to be the best runners. No animal can match our endurance and pace,” Soman adds, highlighting an often-overlooked aspect of physical fitness.
In conclusion, tasked with playing a RA&W agent in “Commander Karan Saxena,” Choudhary’s extensive background in physical training, influenced by his father’s military service, significantly shaped his current discipline and fitness route. Through his narrative, the importance of rigorous training, stringent dietary control, and unwavering mental strength becomes evident, painting a comprehensive picture of what it takes to maintain peak physical condition.
