Wellness is far cheaper than illness – is a mantra that guides actor Suniel Shetty’s lifestyle. So, when the 63-year-old, one of the fittest actors in the industry right now, shows up looking like a lean mean machine, it’s no surprise. More (muscle) power to SS, who turned granddad recently (daughter Athiya and cricketer K L Rahul welcomed their baby girl on March 24). On World Health Day today, we talk to Suniel about his approach to health and fitness.

For Suniel, his health is his biggest pride. “Wherever I go, people come up to me and say, ‘Sir, at this age, you’re so fit. You’re so inspiring’. That’s all I want to hear. When you hear that, you get inspired to do even better,” says the actor and adds, “When you are getting older, you realise that being healthy, fit and being able to do things that other people your age can’t do or can’t even think of doing…it’s a blessing.”

Suniel says, “I’m constantly pushing the limits and putting it out there, so that young kids can go back home and tell their parents to look at how fit Suniel uncle is. It’s not to show off who I am or how good I am, but just to inspire my generation and the younger generation to believe that there’s no replacement for good health.”

In an era where chiselled physiques are a rage, and youngsters are often desperate to flaunt the so-called perfect body, Suniel emphasizes that genuine good health goes far beyond the superficial appeal of a six-pack.

“Everybody is not blessed with great abs. Everybody is not blessed with a lot of money that they can buy supplements or have trainers who can push you. A lot of kids are doing anabolic steroids and that’s an absolute no, because over a period it will show on their body. I’m 60 plus and the only reason I train my abs is to make sure that I walk straight, I don’t hunch, and I don’t drag my feet. Tomorrow I’ll be able to play with my grandchild without having to take a break every two seconds. The child’s energy is going to be different, so my fitness will go a long way,” he explains.

Good health encompasses not only physical well-being, but also mental and emotional wellness. “I’m mentally very strong,” the Hera Pheri actor admits.

Talking about how he focuses on his mental health, he says, “I’m obsessed with nature. I talk to my plants. I do my pranayama at least twice a week. I breathe right. I make sure that I eat right. People should eat at the right time. By delaying your meals, you end up snacking. Understand what suits your body. Food takes care of 80% of your fitness physically and mentally. As the Dalai Lama once said, ‘Happiness is the highest form of health’. I believe in that.’”