Fitness freak

* COVER
ST
ORY *
Srikant
h
Fitness freak
L
aunched in ‘Rojakootam’ by director Sasi in the
year 2001 Srikanth zoomed up the top slot very
soon. He was much sought after some of the
legendary directors pitched him for a lead role and
the actor has not looked back since then. The actor-turnedproducer, who is currently filming his first production, in
which he also stars, whose good looks have captivated
millions of girls, speaks to Food and Health on the
challenges of fitness and how one is required to stay healthy
in an industry that has the longest working hours.
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food&health December
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You were touted as the next
best thing when you were
launched. What was the key
factor that played a role
in the way you maintained
your physique during that
time?
Firstly I should thank God Almighty
for having given this opportunity
Love is…
A single soul
dwelling in two
bodies
of being part of this film fraternity.
When you are passionate about
what you do, everything falls in
place. To be consistent, I had to
maintain my physique so I made a
conscious effort towards it.
You work out often and are
known as a fitness freak.
What drives you to be like
this?
A workout needs to be part of
your day- to- day life and I enjoy
working out so it doesn’t bore
me or stress me. That’s why I
am able to maintain it.
physical energy of high
level in terms of action
sequences?
According to demand of the role
I plan my workouts, diet and do
regular stretches and keep my body
relaxed and flexible. I drink loads of
water. Fluids are a must and I give
enough rest to the body.
Handpicked to perfection
and Chic
Hasth Kala
Creations
Tell us about some
fascinating foreign films
that inspired you in terms of
action and fitness?
I love Jackie Chan and Ong Bak
(Tony Ja) especially for the stunts.
The stunt sequences are high
octane ones which are more
realistic, yet difficult.
Who are your favourite
international actors who
you think have tremendous
potential on screen because
of their fit bodies?
Daniel Craig, Jude Law, Jason
Statham and Brad Pitt have
tremendous screen presence and
have been consistently maintaining
their physique. That’s their asset.
How would you describe
the nature of your fitness
regime?
Dream role
Too early to
speak about it
I am regular and keep my workout
as part of my day- to-day schedule.
I enjoy working out, do power yoga
as well (Surya namaskars), light
weights with added reps and lots of
circuit classes.
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What would like to explore
when it comes to fitness?
I want an athletic and more chiseled
body that I haven’t bared on screen.
How do you prepare for
a role which demands
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60. food&health . December 2013
I would want to do so for the right
script that has a demand for it. I
have fear of water; so I would like
to explore stunts sequences in
water to get over it.
Does it make a difference
when you work out to face
the camera as opposed to
not working out?
When I am regular with workouts I
am brighter on screen, more active,
energetic and flexible during stunts.
The body language is better and
I am lot more confident. When
I don’t, it’s quite contrary to the
above. I would look dull and tired,
the pores don’t open and the
reflexes are much slower, while the
confidence is a lot lesser.
Describe one of the most
challenging physical roles
and how you managed to
complete the take for that
scene?
A motto you
live by
Live and let
live
My movie ‘Bose’ was quite tough
and demanding. This movie had
too many stunt sequences. In fact
a lot more scenes didn’t make it
to the big screen due to editing
and very extensive training was
given to me. I went to a make-shift
army camp for two weeks to train
myself. I used to do
regular cardio and
stretches and heavy
weights as the role
demanded. I was on
complete protein diet
and would consume
loads of fluids,
especially water. I
would stretch my legs
as much as possible
as I had to jump
over running cars,
from buildings and
bridges all by myself
with no double. The
stunt choreographer
received a State
Award for the same
movie (Peter Hein).
Do you think all
actors should
focus on some
fitness regime
throughout
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Favourite
director
Maniratnam,
Bala, Akira
Kurosawa
their career or it is all in the
mind?
Yes, every actor should do regular
workouts to keep their body fit.
By the end of the day we get paid
for the same. If you enjoy working
out you wouldn’t find it stressful or
tiring. Well, it’s all in your mind.
What action sequence
would you like to perform?
A war based film. It can be even
mythological, as I haven’t done one
such. I have always dreamt of doing
a role in ‘Mahabharat’ and wish
someone replicates it on the silver
screen. One gets to display their
physique and acting prowess at the
same time.
and indulge in stunt sequences
which can be fatal. Accidents during
shoots can severely hamper our
work and life. It has happened to
me a lot of times. I have been lucky
but can’t keep pushing it too far.
Best friend
Way too many
friends to name
How do you keep your stress
levels on an even keel?
I relax by not discussing about
cinema once I am back home. I am
glad to have a wonderful better half
who patiently hears me out when
I have lots to say. I spend quality
time with kids and play loads of
games which keep my mind free
and de-stressed.
Hobbies
Collecting DVDs
Favourite pass time
Watching movies,
playing cricket
Perfume
Hermes
What is your advice to the
newcomers?
They should keep their body fit,
flexible and enjoy what they do.
One also needs to pay attention to
what the director or choreographer
says. You have to worship your
body as it would do wonders. You
need to watch every actor and pick
the best from them as it helps you
to take a cue from them.
Do you think producing
takes a toll on you
physically and mentally?
Not physically, but mentally, yes.
Filmmaking is still not disciplined
and too many things happen too
64. food&health . December 2013
quickly here. It’s unorganized and
takes a toll on you. I am impulsive
and emotional and if someone
makes a mistake or disappoints me
I get stressed and it reflects on me
which is bad when I have to give a
shot. But now I am getting to learn
the art of suppressing my feelings
before the camera. You can’t be
transparent always.
Why did you switch to
producing, considering it’s a
very stressful job?
Some scripts are kept aside or
rejected because of the content,
budget and business aspect etc.
I want to produce those scripts
without compromising on those
aspects. l am learning and will take
my time.
What part of your career do
you think you would like to
change and why?
I don’t want to brood over the
past. I believe in the future and
make the best out of it. Whether a
good or a bad decision it has been
mine, so no regrets.
What has been the most
dangerous part of being an
actor in terms of physical
challenges?
Sometimes we get carried away
Do you think the way the
newcomers are approaching
the camera is different as
opposed to when you were
launched?
To an extent it’s the same. Maybe
there is more exposure in the
media and opportunities of various
forms. The visual communication
medium gives an option of
short films documentaries and
commercials. Now there are more
acting schools. New comers are a
lot more confident and groomed.
People are also a lot more receptive
than before.
Have you conceived any
stunt sequence of your own?
No I haven’t and I doubt if I can.
It’s a risky affair so I would like
to leave that job to the trained
professionals.
Tell us about your dream in
film industry?
I want to make it big. The sky
is the limit.
Favourite
actor
Kamal Hasan,
Mohan Lal,
Al Pacino
From modelling to acting and now an
iconic fitness freak, the Tamil actor
has created a benchmark in Kollywood.
Diverse roles, action scenes, romantic tunes
all credited to the man who climbed
the ladder of fame from his very first
film. His charisma, amazing looks and
incredible on screen presence has brought
him many laurels. FnH team bestows
upon the actor bundles of talent, success
and triumphs in his forthcoming ventures.
Life’s biggest
blessing
Getting place
in people’s
heart and being
part of the film
fraternity.
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