Akshay Kumar, Farhan Akhtar the fittest in Bollywood: Vidyut Jammwal

He made an impressive debut with out-and-out action drama ‘Force’, thereby justifying the title with his impeccable stunt performances. Thus, Vidyut Jammwal pushed his limits and forced the onlookers to take notice of his talent. This ‘Commando’ went on to get tagged as the ‘New Age Action Hero of Bollywood’. Trained in martial arts and Kalaripayat at the tender age of three, Vidyut proved why his ‘action’ is different from others. The actor, who was recently in the capital to support the Dabang Delhi team at the Pro Kabaddi League, in an exclusive interview with Ritika Handoo of Zee News Online talked about his passion for sports, fitness and films. Excerpts from the interview:

What brings you to Delhi?

I am in the capital for Pro Kabaddi League match. I feel extremely privileged to have played this sport quite early in life. I feel connected to the Delhi team playing in the league. 

How different is life in Mumbai?

Mumbai is completely different from Delhi. Especially in terms of sports it’s just not the same. I feel, there are more options for playing sports here. Mumbai is more about films and all but for sports it is Delhi.

You have an athletic body. Which sport do you follow?

First of all, thank you. I take it as a compliment as I have worked really hard on getting this perfect body. As I said when in Mumbai, there is very little time left for playing any sport due to work commitments, but still I sometimes manage to play football and cricket. However, it is squash that I play quite regularly as it’s nearby where I stay. Also, I go for swimming at times. Sadly, there isn’t any specialised infrastructure for sports in the city.

Have you played Kabaddi as a child?

Yes, I had the privilege of playing Kabaddi while growing up. As my father was in the Army, I used to travel to small cities where this sport is very popular. But once you come to the metropolitan places, even the sport changes. It’s totally on how you look at it.

Which Kabaddi team do you support and why?

I am a super fan of Dabang Delhi team and I supporting them. In fact, I know a few players from the Delhi team, and naturally if you are familiar with somebody, you tend to extend your support to the person or team. Also, back in Mumbai some of friends were telling me about how great this team is. The Delhi team has a lot of potential, and that is the main reason I am supporting them.

Do you think bringing games such as Kabaddi in focus will help them get more recognition?

Yes, absolutely. The teams playing in the league are great, especially my favourite—Dabang Delhi. My friends keep asking me did you see the boys playing for the team, they are amazing. Also, a few of my female friends chuckled saying the guys are hot. So, everyone knows them and that speaks a lot already about the sport’s popularity. The awareness about the sport is there.

Which film projects are you working on?

Well, I have just finished shooting for Tigmanshu Dhulia’s ‘Yaara’. The film is currently in post-production stage. Also, I will be working on ‘Commando’ part two. 

Which Bollywood actor is the fittest according to you?

I personally feel fitness has nothing to do with somebody flaunting a six-pack abs. I think Farhan Akhtar is fittest. Also, among the senior actors, I can say that Akshay Kumar is very fit and fine. The focus should be on overall fitness and not just on one particular aspect.

Any particular movie which inspired you to take up the sport more seriously?

Luckily for me sports happened much before movies did. I was into sports before I entered films, so I was already inspired enough to stay fit. But, there are certainly some films which leave a mark such as Hollywood cult  ‘Rocky’ which inspires you about passion for boxing as a sport.

Any special message for your fans?

I think right now I would want to tell all the young boys that concentrate on overall fitness and not just getting those six-pack abs. Indian men need to focus more on their lower body (legs), as they often tend to ignore that and concentrate only on toning abs. Full focus is required to remain in shape and get that oh-so-perfect body.