As real as it gets

Sheetal

Actor and fitness freak Balraj Singh Khehra, who played Buta Singh in 21 Sarfarosh: Saragarhi 1897, is a dreamer. Born in Khadur Sahib, Taran Taran, as a child he was told to demand less and adjust more because of their financial condition. He started gymming at the age of 13, and went on to win the junior championship in body building. He became a gym trainer in Jalandhar at the age of 20, which eventually led him to establish his own brand called Balraj Khehra Fitness Freaks.

Balraj recently debuted in Bollywood with the movie Bhangra Paa Le. Besides winning the title of PTC Mr Punjab, he also became the first turbaned boy to win Roadies in 2016. He says, “No matter where I go and what I achieve, I will always return to Jalandhar because this city has given me everything and people here have made me what I am today.”

Your swag

Being good to people.

A Punjabi celeb that you find stylish...

Amarinder Gill is 100 per cent real and that’s why he can touch people’s heart.

Latest buy

I bought Interceptor 650, a motorbike, & Scott’s bicycle.

Street smart vs the brand game

It’s smart game! I buy what enhances my personality whether it costs Rs 50,000 or Rs 50.

Accessories you cannot do without…

Mobile, watch and belt.

Must-haves in your wardrobe?

Jeans, a pair of pants and t-shirts. I also have a good collection of shoes.

If not an actor, then…

A commercial farmer.

Dream project?

A big banner movie in Bollywood. I also wish to be featured in a Hollywood movie.

An artiste you wish to collaborate with…

Shah Rukh Khan and Nawazuddin Siddiqui.

A celeb you would like to go on a date with…

Sonakshi Sinha.

Your idea of a perfect place for a date?

I will take her on a drive on my new bike and stop for chah da cup at Haveli, near Jalandhar.

What turns you off?

An egoistic person.

Your views on fitness?

You are the richest person on earth if you are fit, not just physically but also mentally and emotionally.

Traditional attire you like...

Kurta pyjama. Also I prefer wearing lacha (lungi) as night wear.

One word to describe yourself...

A loved one once called me ghaint-gabhru. It still stands, I hope…

Unwind yourself...

After a tough day at work, I like to read philosophical books or watch videos. I enjoy watching videos of Osho and Sant Singh Maskeen. My me-time includes video chats with my two-year-old nephew.

Big lockdown realisation?

People who used to criticise me for providing fitness services at home in Jalandhar are now trying to do it.

House chores that you enjoyed?

Gardening, making tea for my parents and cooking.

First thing you did after the lockdown?

Back to my team of fitness freaks. I joined my work.

You binge-watched?

Game Changers and Designated Warrior. Also, I finished Pakistani drama, Zindagi Gulzar Hai.