A Global Action Icon Who Defies Age
Mumbai – Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar, often hailed as the “Khiladi” of Indian cinema, has long been admired for his agility and energy on screen. Even at 57, he continues to perform his own action sequences, stunts, and fight scenes — feats that astonish audiences across the globe.
In a recent interview with Indian media, Kumar revealed the simple yet disciplined lifestyle that keeps him in shape. His approach, he explained, rests on three guiding principles: fasting once a week, eating dinner before sunset, and avoiding conventional gym-based weight training.
Weekly Fasting as a Reset
Kumar disclosed that he dedicates every Monday to complete fasting. After eating his last meal on Sunday evening, he refrains from food throughout Monday, resuming normal meals only on Tuesday.
This practice, he said, not only improves digestion but also gives the body time to heal. “Fasting once a week allows my system to rest. It is like resetting the body,” Kumar explained. Intermittent fasting and occasional full-day fasts have gained popularity in recent years, with studies suggesting potential benefits for metabolism, blood sugar levels, and longevity.
Early Dinners for Better Digestion
Equally crucial to Kumar’s regimen is his commitment to eating early. The actor ensures that his dinner is always completed by 6:30 p.m. “Eating before sunset gives the body enough time to digest food. It helps the stomach work efficiently and reduces the risk of illness,” he said.
Doctors often recommend early dinners for similar reasons, noting that late-night meals can contribute to obesity, heartburn, and disturbed sleep. Kumar insists that a combination of early eating and consistent sleep patterns strengthens immunity and keeps the body youthful.
Rejecting Heavy Gyms and Crash Diets
Unlike many of his contemporaries, Kumar distances himself from heavy weightlifting, crash diets, and processed foods. IInstead, he embraces natural, outdoor activities. His fitness routine often includes mountain climbing, playing outdoor sports, and bodyweight exercises. Simple daily movement, such as walking just 7,000 steps a day, can also provide significant health benefits without the need for a gym.
He jokingly remarked, “Gyms are actually for monkeys,” pointing to the repetitive lifting, hanging, and climbing movements seen in weight training. His preference, however, is a more organic lifestyle where physical fitness comes from movement, not machinery.
A Disciplined Lifestyle at the Core
Kumar attributes his vitality not to trends or shortcuts but to discipline. A clean diet, structured sleep, and regular physical activity, he believes, form the foundation of good health. His philosophy aligns with traditional wellness practices in India, which emphasize balance, moderation, and natural living.
Despite his fame and hectic filming schedules, Kumar is known to wake up early — often around 4:30 a.m. — and begin his day with yoga, stretching, or outdoor training. Unlike many celebrities, he avoids late-night parties and maintains a strict daily rhythm.
Inspiring Millions Beyond the Screen
Kumar’s words carry weight not only because of his celebrity status but also because of his lived example. Over the decades, he has sustained a career in one of the world’s most physically demanding film industries.
At a time when younger actors often rely on digital effects or stunt doubles, Kumar’s continued commitment to performing action sequences himself stands out. His fitness philosophy, rooted in simplicity and tradition rather than expensive regimes, resonates with fans looking for practical health solutions.
The Broader Health Conversation
Kumar’s revelations come at a time when India, like much of the world, faces rising lifestyle-related health challenges. According to the World Health Organization, non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular illnesses are on the rise in South Asia, often linked to poor diet and sedentary habits.
By advocating early meals, fasting, and natural activity, Kumar indirectly highlights practices that public health experts also recommend for long-term wellness. While not everyone may adopt his exact routine, his emphasis on consistency and discipline offers lessons that extend beyond celebrity culture.
