Survival of the fittest

Mona

How far would you go to achieve your goal? Well, Mayank Pawar has been on a rigid fitness routine that includes an intense strength training workout every five hours and an extreme calorie-deficit diet for the last two weeks.

When he showed up in Chandigarh on Thursday to announce Survivors, a reality web series, one couldn’t but look at him in awe as his sinewy body rippled with every breath he took. He has got the tiniest waist and an impressive six-pack. In fact, one can count each muscle, so well defined his body is. 

But as they say everything comes at a cost. Training hard, following a stringent diet, Mayank is like as if cast in iron. What led him to it? “I am naturally gifted with a fast metabolism and within a year of training I could win the Mr India title.” 

Mr India Body Building from 2006 to 2011 and 2018 is Mayank’s comeback. Over a decade in the fitness industry, Mayank claims to have held on to his prim shape. An actor, rapper and model, he enjoyed a stint at Splitsvilla 7 winning Sunny Leone’s attention. 

Not from a very well to do background, he charted out his journey rather early in life. He credits it to his mother who trusted him to reach for the sky. Now that he cannot eat does bother her a lot but then everyone around his is habitual to his severe lifestyle. 

“My fitness matters the most to me,” he says emphatically and no way is he going to cheat on his dream. He can manage to get ready in 15 days for an international title because he keeps his body ready for fitness events throughout the year.

Cheat days are occasional but elaborate. “Every once in a while, when I cheat, I eat through the day. And, that day I want to eat it all – the entire table has all my favourites and ice creams and yogurts of every flavour available.” That it, at time, gives him an upset stomach is another thing but apart from these occasional indulgences, he sticks to his routine.

“That who conquers self can only conquer the world,” he says. He is looking forward to the show, Survivors, where he would be judging participants on fitness.

His ultimate aim is to retire from work at 40 and enjoy life, “I would keep my body in this shape forever , but for myself not to win any more titles,” he signs off.

Born to shine

Known for her blunt approach Mia Lakra made her dark complexion her strength, to get an edge over her competitors. 

“I am born with it,” she says. 

A Delhi girl, she got attention in Splitsvilla and strings of reality shows. She is hoping 

to intimidate the contestants of Survivors. “Put together by Sunny Verma, it’s is an enjoyable format. Web series is new generation’s choice and a reality show in this format is going to be a sure win,” says the girl aiming Bigg Boss next. “Only discrimination I have gone through in my journey is being called names for my dark complexion but I have groomed myself to stand out in the crowd.” 

Leg work

If a title in body building is on your mind, Mayank Pawar has an advice, “Everyone works on the abs and biceps but most visible on the stage are legs. Work on them.”