Boys fame Nakkhul follows a zen approach to fitness

Though he started off with Shankar’s biggie, Boys , actor Nakkhul’s acting career failed to take off in a big way. After some initial hiccups, the actor is back in the game with a couple of interesting projects. He had made a miraculous transformation, from a fat boy to the fit and fab person. “Well, it took me 15 years to realise the importance of fitness! Back then, I was a plump boy and followed a different lifestyle. Fitness helped me answer many fears in my life. I followed a zen approach to everyday fitness and this has helped me big time,” the actor starts the conversation.

Unlike other actors, who love to hit the gym, Nakkhul likes to work out from home. “I’ve saved money and brought a couple of workout equipment and converted one room into a workout space. There is another strong reason why I prefer exercising from home. For 10 years or so, I followed a trial and error method. I listened to many ‘so-called’ fitness freaks. But, somehow nothing worked for me for a long time,” he says, adding, “Getting to the gym is another battle. Also, I can workout at any time I want. Being an actor, my work timing is kind of erratic.”

Rather than following the fitness trends that crop up daily, you need to know your body’s requirements and start working out accordingly. “Apart from strength training exercises, I love to swim once in a while — it’s a good all-round activity,” suggests Nakkhul. His wife, Sruti, is one of Chennai’s most sought-after chocolatiers. But Nakkhul has learned to control the cravings. “I’ve learned it the hard way. I used to eat food as if there was no tomorrow and have tried all sorts of diets. Conscious awareness helped me come out of my old habits,” he says. 

Incorporating healthy nutrition is one of the best ways to achieve a healthy body. “You cannot suddenly kill your metabolism — it can lead to serious complications like depression. A nutritious, balanced diet helps you maintain a healthy weight and provides you energy,” he sums up.