Over a cup of adrakwali chai...

Manpriya Singh 

Getting to work with Salman Khan doesn’t just mean you’ve landed yourself a big banner film. It means you are constantly being pushed by the best. 

“He is constantly pushing everybody around him to work out. Be it his bodyguards, people on the sets or us, his co-stars,” Gavie Chahal talks about his yet another stint of being with Salman on the sets. After debuting in Bollywood as Captain Abrar with Ek Tha Tiger, the Punjabi munda returns with the same character in the sequel, Tiger Zinda Hai. “Salman had ensured that there was a gym on the sets itself and after finishing work, there have been times when we have worked out at 3 am in his room,” he further emphasizes the actor’s commitment towards fitness. As for Gavie’s own set of fitness fundas…read further. 

Fitness to me means…

It’s not as much about muscles as it is about muscular body. It is not about abs as it is about flexibility and strength.    

It’s gym time—a serious affair 

I make it a point to spend two hours in the gym every day. Doing stretches, cardio, weights and then 20 to 30 minutes are spent on core strengthening. 

The day begins with

One litre of water and chia seeds that have been soaked overnight.

Diet— through the day 

I don’t follow the concept of three meals as breakfast, lunch and dinner. Diet means six meals in a day and every two hours something to eat. It starts with a protein shake or a smoothie depending on what is available. All through it includes oatmeal, brown bread, multi-grain rotis. As the day progresses, the intake of carbohydrates decreases, but carbohdrates are in the form of sweet potato or brown bread. 

Yes, I have a major sweet tooth! 

But I try and include healthier options when it comes to sugar cravings. For instance, homemade pinnis are really nourishing. They comprise of gur, walnuts, almonds. Then kheer is yet another major weakness. 

A tea person, all the way 

I personally love milk tea, the good old Punjabi way, which has been brewed well with ginger. But instead of sugar, I prefer my cup with jaggery. 

A few tips for the youngsters 

Cardio is a must for anyone looking at getting fit. Please don’t give in to the temptation of short cuts like steroids. Rest is a must no matter which exercise regime you are following. There are days when your body needs to recuperate.  

A few words of wisdom 

Anybody looking at increasing their fitness levels must pay attention to proper diet and timing of the diet. It’s not just about what your body needs but what your body needs at what time.