(26 July 2007): The only problem Abhishek has with building biceps and abs like hunks Hrithik and John, both of whom he admires, is that he will need to spend long hours in the gym and that is not what he wishes to do. He prefers eating out to sweating out.
For decades Bollywood films relied on a tiresome mix of romance, drama, comedy and action to draw largely rural audiences to the theaters. These days, however, box office returns are predicated by a film's performance in multiplexes, which are frequented by viewers brought up on Hollywood action films.
Not surprisingly, Bollywood filmmakers are increasingly relying on the action genre to ensure box office success and prefer hunks to a chocolate cream hero.
Abhishek, who sees the writing on the wall and is set to appear in two action film – Drona and Mission Istanbul, knows he needs to hit the gym regularly.
"Earlier, it wasn't a must for an actor to have a 6-pack abs but now it is. We need to look visually presentable," he told TOI
"I'm the only actor who has been able to maintain a one-pack for eight years," he added jokingly.
Speaking about his current fitness state he says, "I like to fool myself that I workout. But I do cardio and weights as and when I am required to. At present I'm suffering in the gym," he says with self deprecating humor.
"I really need to be pushed to work out."
Abhishek prefers roles like the one he did in Guru, that required him to put on 11 kilos.
"I enjoyed putting on those many kilos but didn't know that it would be so difficult to lose all that weight."
Fortunately for Abhishek he need not leave his house to seek inspiration for his workout because dad Amitabh is as much into it as John and Salman.
"Forget about the younger actors, my dad is one great example of a fitness freak. He hits the gym everyday from 5.30 am to 8 am. He is so fit. I wish I could be like him," Abhishek says.
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