World Health Day: Meet Bollywood’s Fittest Icons Who Believe In Minimal Wellness

Amid the noise created by fitness apps, health influencers and conflicting research about nutrition, it is hard to configure the perfect formula to get healthier. On World Health Day (April 7), meet a few fitness icons who have formulated their own unique recipes to support holistic health with consistent and well-considered lifestyle choices.

Anand Pandit

Anand Pandit: Known for his active lifestyle, producer Anand Pandit treats fitness as a long-term investment that supports both his work in cinema and real estate. Despite handling large projects in both fields, the 63-year-old maintains a disciplined routine and is often seen taking part in demanding activities like major marathons. He is also an avid cyclist, having completed long distance rides across countries such as Germany, Luxembourg, France, Portugal and Spain. He says his approach is simple: maintain a balance between movement and stillness. Pandit combines strength training and cardio with yoga and meditation to stay grounded. The showman of Bollywood also believes consistency makes all the difference.

Akshay Kumar:

At 58, Akshay Kumar continues to be a fitness icon with an enviable physique that belies his age. His success mantra is built around functional movement and consistency rather than heavy gym training. He avoids lifting heavy weights and prefers bodyweight exercises, martial arts, swimming, and activities like climbing and parkour, often referring to his setup as a 'monkey gym' focused on agility and movement. Akshay has also mentioned in interviews that he tries to stay active by choosing simple habits like taking the stairs and spending time outdoors instead of relying only on uninspiring gym sessions.

Anil Kapoor

Known to stick to a non-negotiable sleep routine, Anil Kapoor follows simple fitness rules to stay healthy even at 69. He is a teetotaller, maintains sleep hygiene diligently and starts his day with a bottle of water. His diet is designed to include good fats, lots of fibre, protein, green leafy vegetables, juices and salad bowls. He also believes that no regimen can work without consistency, and hence he rarely misses a workout which includes running, cycling, weight training, compound exercises, yoga and even padel tennis.

Farhan Akhtar

This erstwhile college slacker is now an actor, director, singer and producer who runs a hugely successful production company. Known for constant reinvention on and off screen, he changed his physique for the titular role of 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag' as well as 'Toofan.' Even off the camera, he maintains a demanding fitness routine at 52 with running, strength training, boxing drills, swimming and endurance sports. With home-cooked meals, discipline, clear eating and positivity, he is able to enjoy holistic well-being and a balanced life replete with inner calm and joy.

Milind Soman

At 60, Milind Soman is still championing the 'Made in India' brand of fitness! With a diet rich in fibre, hydrating fruits and nutritionally balanced simple meals, he steers clear of shortcuts to fitness. Focusing instead on daily habits like a barefoot run in the morning, flexibility stretches, yoga, and bodyweight exercises. A proponent of 'minimal wellness,' he chooses a strict 16-hour intermittent fasting window, common sense and tailored regimen over gimmicky, expensive gym routines.