rajeev interview (oldone)

He dashes down the stairs of the gym in a fitted T-shirt and jeans. He is all set to begin his workout.

It's only when he starts to lift weights do you notice the muscles. There's no doubt about it: this actor is superbly fit.

What kind of a body do you believe is healthy and fit?
I don't believe in a beefy, muscular wrestler's body. I like what I am today, lean and strong. So, if I'm fully clothed, no one would even notice that I gym.

But that's okay. I exercise for my health and my self confidence, not for others to be gawking at my bulging muscles.

What's your exercise routine like?
I'm more of an athlete than a gym person. I hit the gym only to feel my muscles ache and to get into shape. A fit body with very lean arms or a sunken chest is not the right proportion.

A gym gives my body the right shape. Otherwise, I am more of a tennis or squash person. I can swim for hours.

I go to the gym in the morning where my trainer guides me. It's better to do weight training at a gym as you get enthused by seeing others work out.

So, I begin with my cardio and do the treadmill or the jogger. I move on to abdominals, which are very essential.

I then do weight training, which my trainer ensures I follow religiously to get heavier biceps and triceps and to strengthen my chest and shoulders.

Rajeev Khandelwal

I exercise religiously even when I'm working or shooting.

Are you diet-conscious?
Oh yes, to the point of being a pain! I never eat anything that doesn't provide me with nutrition. For me, food is something that sustains my body, not something that satisfies my palate.

I do eat food that tastes good, but its nutritional value is much more important. This has nothing to do with my being an actor.

Even when I was 20 and not remotely connected with the acting world, I used to have a raw egg with milk every morning. I stay away from junk food and colas.

Besides, I am mainly vegetarian. People call me fussy. My friends don't eat out with me so I end up eating home food 99 out of hundred times. I believe what I do for my body today will reflect down the years when I'm old and ageing.

What's your diet like?
I have given up tea and coffee so my morning starts with a glass of fresh orange juice.

I don't believe in supplements. I believe in all things natural. So, I believe in loving myself and loving life