Staying fit at 53 may be a challenge for many but not for cinestar Akkineni Nagarjuna. His looks in his recent Telugu films Love Story and Damarukam have left many surprised. For Nagarjuna, who remains one of Tollywood’s highest-paid actors, juggling a successful career with a busy family life comes down to focus and hard work.
Diet
■ Nagarjuna believes in healthy eating. “I don’t believe in harsh dieting. I’m a foodie and that’s why I own two restaurants. I cheat on Sundays. All other days I am on a strict exercise and diet regime. I owe 25 per cent of my fitness to diet (healthy eating habits), 25 per cent to regular workouts and 50 per cent to daily healthy habits. During shooting, Nagarjuna munches on something light after every hour—fruits, sprouts and protein biscuits.
Fitness Regimen
■ Nagarjuna’s fitness mantra is not a rigorous workout routine, but over two decades of regular exercise and pursuit of healthy day-to-day habits that include the synergy of body and mind. “Rigorous workout to pump muscles may be effective, but when you stop, it comes back to square one. I have been consistently exercising for nearly 25 years now. I exercise six days a week for one hour in the morning,” says Nagarjuna. His fitness routine includes yoga, treadmill, running, cycling, lifting weights and stretching. Sunday is an off day for fitness too.
Tips
■ Besides regular exercise, maintain healthy habits such as getting adequate sleep and drinking lots of water. Keep a positive frame of mind. “I enjoy whatever I do. It helps me in having a sound mind which in turn helps me to stay fit,” says the star.