A fitting role model

Author, columnist, screenwriter and orator Chetan Bhagat has taken up a 100-day fitness challenge in collaboration with Reebok from January 1, aiming to transform his physique and inspire fans to become fit for life. The 40-year old is set to post updates on social media including his Facebook and Twitter pages.

"The decision to take up a fitness challenge was difficult but also exciting at the same time. Being a writer, my profession does not require me to be fit or have a perfectly sculpted body and physique. However, fitness is beyond just that, and is about the complete wellness of mind and body," Chetan states.

The author, who has piled on pounds since the launch of his first book ‘Five Point Someone’ in 2004 said that he has often emphasised in his motivational talks on the importance of taking on challenges in life which are beyond one's comfort zone.

“I have to make fitness the focus of the day. A lot of it is to do with maintaining a food diary, which means monitoring everything I eat. Also, daily fitness has to be brought in as well,” elaborates Chetan on his fitness regime. Fitness, he says, is about the complete wellness of mind and body.

"That, I believe, is essential in our lives today, and embracing fitness as a part of our daily lifestyle can definitely make us feel and look better," he said. The author's challenge, includes a range of fitness activities such as cardio training, functional movement training that includes running, crossfit and yoga. “I have calorie limits which I have to adhere to every day. However, I don't want such a regimented programme that is not real and can't be sustained. There is flexibility,” he chuckles.

Chetan debuted as a screenplay writer with the 2014 hit ‘Kick’. So is this fitness challenge an effort to mark his presence on screen? “I am not taking up this challenge for a toned physique that looks good on screen. I am doing it to be fit on the inside, and hopefully a little bit on the outside. It is about doing something which is out of my comfort zone and doing it in a public manner is scary in its own way,” he retorts.

Chetan has a lot in store in the coming months, with his books ‘Revolution 2020’ and ‘Half Girlfriend’ being adapted for the screens. But the writer is keeping the cards close to his chest and does not want to reveal the protagonists. “Both the movies are under development. We will have something to share in a month or so. I cannot comment on lead actor choices as we will soon be in talks with several of them,” he shares.

While Chetan has been deeply involved in Bollywood adaptations of his books, he obviously is keen to be in touch with his roots. Quiz him on the growing acceptance of graphic novels among bookworms, Chetan says, “Anything that works for readers, should be encouraged. Graphic novels require not only writing skills but great illustrations too. I cannot do the latter but I do admire people who can do it.”

By:P Krishnamurthy