Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 13, 2017)

Shahid Kapoor who has been the poster boy for vegetarianism and animal rights since 2010, bagging the “hottest vegetarian” title thrice, has been working out overtime this month to look like the beefed up warrior-king Raja Rawal Ratan Singh for the on-going action-packed schedule of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s period-romance Padmavati. For his new ripped avatar, the 36-year-old actor is collaborating with city-based Canadian chef Kelvin Cheung, whose hip resto-bar in Bandra is always bustling with B-townies. Kelvin has worked out a special diet for Shahid, which comprises three meals and two snack packs.

“Shahid has always been fit and healthy but he also needs an energy boost to survive the long working hours of this arduous schedule and the aim is to efficiently give him stronger muscle mass while maintaining the aesthetics of his look,” Kelvin told Mirror, adding that regardless of his preferences, it is imperative to break down the healthy fats, calories and proteins to help him achieve the exact targets.

Shahid is an early riser and the meals are tailormade to suit his high metabolism rate. Greens like broccoli, kale and spinach, along with grains and legumes, make for a high-protein afternoon meal after a rigorous workout while sweet potatoes work as a small recovery snack after a tiring shoot. “Since he is on a no-salt diet, Shahid gravitates towards Asian cuisine since the spices used give the meal a certain flavour despite the absence of salt. Mexican meals like a rice wrap, which is like a burrito with lots of grilled, steamed or raw vegetables, is a once-a-week treat. Since Shahid is always working, it is important to make the meals enjoyable so that he can look forward to eating,” Kelvin adds, asserting that his meals are sustainable and long-term, sprinkled with natural sugars to break the monotony once in a while. “His treats are usually small, sweet nuggets made of coconut milk as he doesn’t consume any artificial sugar. A bowl of cut mangoes is a summer indulgence.”

The meals are freshly made and never require to be put into the microwave as that can take away the nutritional value. Since Shahid has been shooting extensively, alkaline foods like nuts and fruits are added so he remains hydrated and doesn’t tire out easily. Low-quality oil like vegetable or corn oil are a strict no-no, it’s always healthy fats like avocado oils. The actor himself treats Kelvin’s meal design like a lifestyle menu, following it to the T, even when he is travelling. “He’s completely focussed and always prepared to follow a meal design,” Kelvin points out.

Meanwhile, Shahid admits that he’s been told repeatedly that by choosing to be a vegetarian, he is not giving himself the required proteins to build muscle faster. “I follow a high-energy diet with lots of vegetables. Fitness has always been a part of who I am. Even though it can be tougher, it’s completely worth it and satisfying at the end of the day,” he signs off.