As legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan celebrates his 83rd birthday on October 11, the superstar continues to defy age with an inspiring commitment to health and fitness. His remarkable vitality, even after overcoming several serious health conditions, is a testament not just to his disciplined routine, but to a profound mindset that prioritizes well-being as a lifelong endeavor.
Bachchan, born on October 11, 1942, remains an active and influential figure in Indian cinema and television. His journey highlights how age is merely a number when coupled with consistency, balance, and an unwavering mental resolve towards maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
The Mindset: A Non-Negotiable Commitment to Health
At the core of Amitabh Bachchan’s sustained fitness lies a powerful mindset: the understanding that health is a non-negotiable aspect of life. His wellness trainer, Vrindaa Mehta, emphasized this, stating, “If Amitabh Bachchan can make time to exercise, normal people can too. The mindset is, when you know something is good for you, you just do it. It’s not about comfort, it’s not about not having time.” This philosophy underscores that fitness isn’t a seasonal goal, but a permanent habit driven by recognizing its intrinsic value.
This dedication extends beyond physical activity to an overall holistic approach, encompassing physical, mental, and emotional well-being. He believes in constantly challenging his mind, reading extensively, writing blogs, and being open to new learning, which helps keep his cognitive functions sharp.
Amitabh Bachchan’s Disciplined Diet Plan
Big B’s dietary choices reflect a meticulous blend of health and flavor, characterized by discipline and variety. He has largely adopted a vegetarian diet, focusing on fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
A Typical Day’s Nourishment
- Morning Ritual: Bachchan often starts his day with a warm glass of water mixed with honey and lemon, serving as a detoxifier and energizer. He also includes a few tulsi leaves.
- Breakfast: His breakfast is typically nutritious, featuring options like protein shakes, almonds, porridge, or coconut water. Gooseberry juice and dates are also frequent inclusions for a power-packed start.
- Lunch: A warm bowl of dal, brown rice or chapati, and seasonal vegetables constitute his lunch, ensuring a balanced and fulfilling meal.
- Dinner: Dinner is kept light, frequently consisting of salads and soups.
- Hydration: Throughout the day, he ensures ample water intake, vital for detoxification and maintaining body temperature.
Key Dietary Shifts
Over the years, Amitabh Bachchan has made significant lifestyle changes, notably giving up non-vegetarian food, sweet items, and rice. This conscious decision to limit sugar intake helps manage obesity risks. While adhering to a strict diet, he occasionally indulges in his love for chaat, a popular Indian savory snack, particularly in Delhi markets, showing that balance can include moderate treats.
An Active and Varied Fitness Regime
Despite his busy schedule, Amitabh Bachchan’s commitment to physical activity is unwavering. His routine is a thoughtful combination of exercises designed to maintain flexibility, strength, and cardiovascular health.
Core Components of His Workout
- Breathwork and Yoga: His wellness sessions primarily focus on breathwork, pranayama, and basic yoga stretches, which are crucial for both physical and mental health.
- Light Strength and Weight Training: Bachchan incorporates light strength and weight training into his routine, helping to preserve muscle mass and bone density, even at his age.
- Walking and Jogging: Regular walks and occasional jogging are vital for improving blood circulation and overall cardiovascular health. He reportedly takes a walk every 20 minutes of sitting to keep his hamstrings active.
- Variety and Movement: He emphasizes “movement” as crucial, incorporating gentle activities like walking, swimming, or Tai Chi to enhance mobility, strength, and balance.
The Role of Trainers
His trainers, Vrindaa Mehta and Shivohaam, highlight his exceptional discipline. Shivohaam noted that Bachchan makes time for physical activity “whether it’s morning, afternoon, or evening, or even between meetings because he knows it’s important.” There are even times when trainers advise him to rest, but his commitment often leads him to find time for a workout.
Prioritizing Mental Well-being and Rest
Beyond diet and exercise, Bachchan places significant importance on mental wellness. He practices meditation and mindfulness techniques to maintain focus amidst life’s demands. His ability to manage stress and maintain an optimistic outlook plays a crucial role in his overall longevity.
Adequate rest is also a cornerstone of his regimen. He aims for 8 to 9 hours of quality sleep each night, recognizing its importance for physical and mental recovery.
Amitabh Bachchan’s journey into his 83rd year is a powerful narrative of resilience and dedication. His fitness routine, underpinned by a disciplined lifestyle and a strong mental resolve, serves as an inspiring blueprint for healthy aging. It underscores that true well-being is a harmonious blend of mindful eating, consistent physical activity, mental engagement, and adequate rest, all driven by a mindset that values health above all.
