Let me tell you a secret ? actors are not always as fit as they look. But it?s our job to look that way. We also have to suit the role we are playing, so we need to adjust our fitness levels according to what we are performing.

I didn?t know much about fitness ? I still think I know little about it ? but I have always been active physically. Throughout my student life, I played games and more games ? cricket, football, hockey, volleyball ? as also took part in athletics. At Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan (the school I went to in Delhi), I was made the captain of the cricket and volleyball teams. I was even selected for the Indian schoolboys? team in which Dilip Vengsarkar was also a member.

I was highly prone to injury. Every second day I would hurt myself while playing but I would never tell my parents a thing about it. I realise now how foolish I had been. I never cared for medical treatment or giving enough rest to the injured muscle, tendon or ligament. I would never warm up before jumping into action. Earlier this year, I met with an accident. I injured my leg while running between wickets and had to undergo major surgery. My surgeon was shocked to see the condition of my leg muscles. He tried to heal as many as possible. But believe me, I still play games. I love playing cricket in the para.

I don?t think fitness is independent of culture and lifestyle. So I can?t say that my fitness methods will work for you. In fact, I think no one should follow any other person?s method. Know your own body.

Of course, I have made an exception in this regard. I try to follow in the footsteps of my mother. She is 72 years old and has been acting on stage for more than five decades. She now wears a belt to keep her spine straight but she is so active! She still manages to look after herself. That is really admirable.

?I owe it all to Tota?

My fitness advisor gets full credit for what I look like today. And that is Tota Roychowdhury, an actor and also a trained fitness expert. He is extremely fit himself. He helped me find a fitness programme that is right for my age. Tota advised me not to concentrate on muscle-building. Instead, he suggested that I take up a set of stretching exercises. Honestly, that worked wonders for me.

I think work therapy is best for the body. We often don?t have time to go to the gym. So does that mean that you sit and sulk on the sofa? No. Stop lazing. Get up and do your work yourself. Look at the domestic helps who work round-the-clock. How do they manage ? they have no money to go gymming! It?s the work that keeps them fit. Even Tota pointed out that many of our household chores make wonderful stretching exercises. And you know what the best part of work therapy is? It comes absolutely free of cost!

Like most other things, fitness programmes have to be determined through trial and error. But errors made in this regard can be quite harmful, so don?t experiment too much with your own body. Take the help of experts. And don?t take exercises as a matter of challenge. Nothing can be as off-putting as an injury. So be extra cautious. And keep your age in mind. You can?t do at 40 what you could at 20. Let?s be reasonable ? it?s good for your health.

A few rules to go by

Experts are always there to help but make sure you go to the right ones. Check their credentials before you sign up.

Moderation is a must if you want to stay fit. Partying or pubbing is great fun but don?t go over the top.

Don?t overeat. That?s sick. Instead, go and find someone who needs the excess food.

Try to stay happy. If you are feeling good in the mind, then you will also feel fitter.

Emulating is no good when it comes to matters of fitness. Don?t copy blindly. Listen to the vibes of your own body.

Feluda?s food faves

No overeating, no starving. That?s my food mantra. In fact, I never eat to my fill. A little empty space is good for me.

My food habits have been quite constant. This means I stick to home-made food.

I wake up at around 7.30 am and begin my day with glasses of water. Next, I have two cups of tea, without milk, and with some sugar. For breakfast, I take butter (a little bit)/ jam on toast with boiled eggs and bananas.

I love fruits. I can actually live on fruits.

I was brought up in north India. Hence, I prefer rotis to bhaat. With that, I take some vegetable curry, dal and salad. Occasionally, I eat fish or chicken but only if it?s mildly spiced.

When I?m travelling, I usually stick to vegetable stews for my meals. Once in a while, I take chicken stew. As you?ve gathered by now, I like to eat more vegetarian stuff than non-veg.

I am also extremely fond of fruit juices and water. I can drink up to a few litres of both in a day.