The six-pack bug bites the boys of sandalwood

BANGALORE: There were days when cinegoers wanted their favourite actors to look slim and appear in decent clothes on the silver screen. For example, Kannada matinee idol late Dr Rajkumar and late Dr Vishnuvardhan, including Rebel Star Ambareesh are known for maintaining a decent dress code in films. Except on a few occasions, they never appeared shirtless on the silver screen.

Now, showcasing muscles has become a trend of the day. It all started with Vijay, known popularly as Dhuniya Vijay, developing six-pack abs for the film Junglee. It may not be an exaggeration to say that Vijay is the first Kannada actor to flaunt a six-pack. Later, Vijay continued it for his other film Shankar IPS. “I had imported protein powder from the US to develop six-pack abs. I had also spent considerable time at the gym to prepare my body for this purpose. But, yes, there are cases where people take medicines to develop six-pack abs. It is dangerous to take medicines. One can develop six-pack abs if he sticks to a strict diet and rigorous exercise,’’ said Vijay.

Impressed by Vijay’s six-pack abs, actor Prem, who is known as the family-audience hero, approached him for valuable tips. “I have to thank Vijay for his guidance on how to develop six-pack abs,’’                    says Prem.

Prem is set to appear with six pack abs in film Shatru in which he plays a tough cop. “I had to follow a strict diet and do exercise under the guidance of a trainer. My fans can see me in six-pack abs in a stunt sequence that lasts a few minutes in Shatru,’’ explains Prem.

When asked whether his fans will accept his  new avatar, he says, “I will quit acting if anyone, after watching my forthcoming film Shatru, tells me that I am unfit to play such a role. I do not want to confine myself to                                  monotonous roles.’’

After Prem, now it is the turn of Puneeth Rajkumar, who is popularly known as Appu, to develop six-pack abs for his forthcoming film Anna Bond. This film is being directed by Soori who had handled megaphone for Puneeth’s recent successful film Jacky. “One needs to follow a diet and spend a lot of time at the gym to get good abs. I am doing it since the script  demands such a new look,’’ said Puneeth Rajkumar.