Sahil Shroff: The brains behind the brawns

Published in Mega Modelz magazine – June-July 2009 Issue – © Manali

As those lats spread wide and the abs glisten as if they have been carved in stone, he walks down the aisle. It feels as if a Greek God has briefly condescended to stride among the mortals… You can almost hear the hearts beating faster. That’s the kind of spark, magic and aura this dangerously handsome super model Sahil Shroff carries on him! It’s not everyday that this hottest thing reveals his health and fitness secrets… Mesmerized Manali H. Shah is all ears, as she meticulously records every word he tales…

With his drop dead chiseled looks and playful grin, Sahil Shroff holds a pledge of sinful things and much more as he effortlessly continues to impress young girls and women alike with his famous stints in commercials like Tata Indica’s ‘Dumb, Dumb, Dumb’ and Lux ad with the gorgeous Aishwarya Rai, Cadbury Éclairs, HCL, Snickers amongst several others. No wonder, this 6 foot clothed horse is convincingly hot favourite of all the B town designers. Be it scorching the ramp for the IPL show with Shahrukh Khan or My Mumbai with Naomi Campbell, he has possibly walked the ramp for all of them in most of the fashion weeks. He has been there, done that, literally. And once again, he is all set to sputter the small screen with his two new commercials coming up on air soon! Clearly Sahil Shroff is the number 1 male model in the country today.

Amid such a busy schedule, how does he manage to maintain an incredible body like his? And the answer comes straight, “I love fitness. I have been training since a very long time now. Infact, I am pretty much evolved in my fitness,” he says. Unlike many, Sahil has a long history of training and today he is not only involved in grueling workouts, but he is equally indulging himself in running, strength training, jumping, swimming, Taekwondo and several other sports. “I never miss on my workouts, be it in any form. It allows me to easily stay in shape and moreover it’s a part of my profession now.” He continues, “I do Taekwondo 3 times a week, go to gym twice a week, go for a long run at Mahalaxmi race course during the weekends and I also like to swim, at least once a week. I thoroughly enjoy and love all of it,” he says.

I ask him to throw more light on Taekwondo and he says, “I go to Javed Khan’s Taekwondo School where I have a personal trainer. In my opinion, this form of Martial Arts is not something you get up one morning and head for. One needs to have a proper mindset to start this as it involves a lot of stretching, kicking, punching and the like. Besides, I completely enjoy the flexibility aspect and every nuance of this art.” Another nugget, “I personally adore action and I am eventually getting into films too. It is surely very hard, but at the end of the day, it’s a lot of fun too.” He feels everybody should try this kind of art at some point in their life.

So like most of the models in this tinsel town, is he neurotic about having that 6 or 8 pack abs as well? He answers with the same vigor, “Oh totally! I have always had 6 pack abs and that’s a part of me now. But its not my only pride and joy, as at the same time I also maintain my body weight proportionally and this matters a lot. I have a very good upper body, nice muscular and strong leg and that’s only because I focus on balancing everything.” Sahil has practically been working out all his life. Apart from being a very active sportsperson in his school days, he also used to workout dedicatedly in Australia, where he pursued his masters in IT. “Oh, Australians are very serious about their workouts and fitness,” he muses aloud.

Isn’t it difficult to manage this kind of workout schedule while on shoot? “Not at all. Its simple infact. When I am traveling or shooting at work, I always have a skipping rope… and my running shoes are my savior. Like when I was shooting two days ago, an hour prior to the scheduled shoot timing, I went running for about 45 minutes. You feel a million dollars and you feel fresh,” he validates. So what about the food? He shrugs his shoulders and says, “Finding my kind of food becomes tough but I am figuring out how to find my way. I believe in cleansing off the system, so I try and make sure to have a lot of fruit and salads around me and continuously eat these all the time. The energy stays and it makes me feel up.”

Talking of food, Sahil is equally particular about it and follows a strict diet on most of the days. “My diet is very good, well balanced and high on nutritional value. In the morning, for breakfast I have 3 vegetable juice that could be a mixture of Carrot, Cucumber and  Indian gooseberry (amla) and that is later followed by 3 or 4 fruits, bowl of oatmeal with dry fruits and a cup of coffee. For brunch, I like to have a banana or snack on muesli bar.” He continues in same saga, “Whereas, my lunch includes 2 rotis, a little bit of rice with mutton and fish and 2 vegetables, everything cooked in very less olive oil. Yoghurt is very important for me everyday. Then again around 4pm or so I have a fruit or 1 or 2 cereal biscuits which is followed by evening work out. Later, the dinner is healthy again, but very light. Here its compete no no to chapatti and rice. I only have vegetables and dal, accompanied with a very nice vegetable soup and a big salad. All in all it’s a good 5-6 meal course a day and that’s enough for me I think,” he smiles nonchalantly.

With his kind of workout, he feels, it is very important to eat every two hours. “I am always eating. In Taekwondo you need to have a lot of energy and you just can ‘not’ eat.” Nevertheless, there are times when Sahil does enjoy going easy with his diet. “I do like to binge on sweets and chocolates sometimes but I am generally in control of what I eat. Like if I am not shooting, I do enjoy my food with a little more liberty, however, the next day I do put in that extra hard work and cut down on my diet too.” He continues, “I don’t spoil myself much nowadays and I have substantially cut down on sweets too, as it takes too much stress on body to burn it off again. Hence, it’s not a priority anymore.” According to him, his metabolic rate is very good and this leaves him feeling gleefully good and strong most of the times.

This hot model is also involved in a lot of other activities when he is not working out or shooting. “I participate in a lot of creative workshops. I like working on my diction, speech and voice modulation. Other then this, I like to backpack and travel around the world,” he says. Predictably, his next step is to storm into bollywood too… but, with a big bang! So, when does this happen? “By God’s grace, hopefully soon. Though I feel it’s a slow and steady process… which I am enjoying. Everything good that happens doesn’t happen quickly. At the end of the day, you need to have luck on your side too. And you exactly know when is the right time for you…” he philosophies.

With this, I swiftly graduate towards his personal life and ask the obvious. And there is a moment of silence before he finally decides to be asked for next question! But I insist on him to share some bit of the heat… and he comes with his tongue firmly placed in cheek. “Oh, I have a very good personal life. Beyond that I am not allowed to talk. Ha ha ha,” he laughs, almost enjoying the sadistic pleasure. I sustain nonetheless. A little more push… and he finally gives up! “Well, okay. I used to be a naughty boy but I am a good and sweet boy now! Everything is very good and rosy though I continue to be one fun loving guy who is always up for adventure,” he cackles incessantly. Ahem, what can we say… More energy to you boy!

Sahil lists down ‘5 must have tips’ for great heath and good body

(i) If you are a vegetarian, eat anything that is natural. But make sure you have a lot of dal.

(ii)And if you are a non vegetarian, make sure you have ‘good quality’ of fish and meat.

(iii) Drink a lot of water, its indispensable.

(iv) Go hard or go home! Unfortunately, everyone in this space trains very softly. If you work hark, work your brain hard and do not work your body hard, what’s the point! One needs to train very hard to get good results. It’s quintessential.

(v) If you workout at gym, give your 100 percent and take your training seriously. It will help you stay strong, both mentally and physically without any injuries, illness or back problem. The feel good factor is fantastic and simply worth it!

Bodylicious Nataasha Suri

Published in Mega Modelz magazine – March-April 2009 Issue – © Manali

With the kind of long sultry legs, sexy gait and dazzling smile she wears, Naatasha Suri is indisputably one of the most glamorous dusky beauty who has marked her prominent presence in the world of glitz and glam today. Life can’t get any better for her, as she humbly holds the Pond’s Femina Miss India-World 2006 title to her credit as well. She is surely the epitome of contemporary girl who justifies the ‘beauty with brains’ theory. Completed her bachelors in business management from Jai Hind College, Mumbai, she has also tried her stint in her father’s garment export business.

The rise of a super model…

This eclectic girl surely knows how to win all the brownie points correctly, as she made preeminent use of her title and bagged some of the top notch modeling assignments over the span of almost three glorious years. Her impressive modeling assignments include modeling for top bracket designers like Rohit Bal, Sabina Singh, Ritu Kumar, Hemant Trivedi, Suneet Verma, Rina Dhaka, Asif Merchant, Rana Gill and lots more. With the gifted poise and oodles of confidence, she has probably walked for all the designers amid different fashion weeks in the country.

Not only this, she still continues to grace the face of Mauritius, by being the official brand ambassador for the country. She has even participated in a lot of international fashion weeks like the Rome fashion week, Dubai fashion week, Srilanka fashion week and continues to do several shows in Muscat, Mauritius, Turkey just to a name few. At this time, when recession is affecting most of the people in the industry, Nataasha is happy with the work that is coming her way. “I have shows lined up in full swing at least till April. I thought the number of shows would cut down because of the global meltdown, but apparently shows are still happening, and I am more then glad.”

She has done plenty of TVC’s for brands like Pepsodant, Parachute, Titan Eye Wear, and Whisper amongst many others. Whereas, some of her exciting print shoot assignment includes that of Ponds, Pantaloons, Sneakers and lots more. She is also the host for the infamous gadget show ‘Cell Guru’ telecasted on NDTV 24/7. Not only this, but Nataasha also makes celebrity appearances quite often and is frequently invited as a Guest of Honour for many events in and across the country. Post Miss India, Naatasha has indubitably reached the pinnacle of being amongst the top bracket A grade super models in India.

“God has been very kind to me. The journey has been really good, you know…” she sallies. Continuing in the same vein she says, “This field is really great for a girl who wants to be financially independent. One gets to travel persistently and meet diverse people from across the world. So it is certainly a good profession for the people who want to learn and explore.”

Bollywood calling…

Nataasha lacks no behind when it comes to films. Bollywood has rung her doorbells ever since she won the title, but this cautious girl is just waiting for the right offer. She tales, “The other day I was just sitting and thinking, when I realized that I had received more then 18 films offers off late. Sadly, none of them really looked like the best one to kick start my bollywood career with. I would rather wait for a nice film to come my way – something that has a good role for me and most importantly, the one which portrays me well.”

Is she waiting for some big banner to approach her? “Not really. I love this profession and respect every work that comes my way, but, I would rather go for somebody who knows what film he is making and who has a definite idea about how exactly he must cast me. For instance, Mahesh Bhatt makes excellent films. But it’s about a director who knows where exactly I can fit, and it should open up the doors for me as well… Then you know its right for you,” she smirks.

As far as her personal life is concerned, she is fiercely protective about it. “I don’t want to talk about it at all,” she states clearly. Hmmm. Immediately though, she continues, “By the way, I am single right now… and totally happy with myself. I don’t think about what I am missing out on may be… but I am not looking for anything right now,” she giggles.

Heath and Fitness mantra…

When most of the super models are totally obsessive about their workouts and cautious about every calorie intake, Nataasha Suri prefers it the other way round. “I am not generally very inclined towards going to a gym. I don’t really the idea of like gymming so much. It was during Miss India days that I was actually pushed for it, but otherwise it does not really work for me,” she says simply.

“I like to keep my diet in control, I try to eat healthy. I go for long walks, cycling and I simply love dancing. That way you can be fit and loose calories too. I like to get involved in sports and other activities instead of just going to a gym – I think that’s too boring. But for everybody who goes to a gym, I think it’s great,” says the lass. She believes her biggest plus point is that she knows how her metabolism precisely functions. “Thankfully, my metabolism is superb. I know what will make me put on and loose weight.”

Is she choosy about what she eats? To this, she swiftly affirms, “I indulge into everything under the sun. But it has to be right. I try to eat everything in moderation. I loose calories by walking, skipping and cycling most of the times. It has to be all fun for me. And I like the whole process of being fit. That’s how I generally am.” Besides, the pretty dame does not have a sweet tooth and is not very fond of rice as well. “So automatically the calorie intake is nominal,” says Nataasha, who has had slim body frame since childhood.

Her breakfast includes variety of things from poha, sandwich to omlette, eggs, bread and juice. She is a total Indian-homemade-food freak. For lunch, she likes dal, vegetables and paratha. “I am a total paratha fan,” she grins.  In the evening, she binges on whatever is made at home and for dinner she says, “Well, I always try to have dinner before 8pm. Dinner again consists of Indian food, basically whatever my mom cooks.”

Fortuitously, she has never had an inclination towards tea or coffee. She is a non smoker and does not intake alcohol too. “May be that’s why I don’t have to make much efforts to detox or cut down on anything. It’s just a regular lifestyle for me,” she exclaims. However, she completely loves junk food. “I can totally thrive on it. That’s the only way I let go and have my own space. Otherwise, my diet is quite balanced,” she says, with a sense of pride. Now we completely agree to this one!

Nataasha Suri unveils ‘5 quintessential habits’ that everyone must incorporate in their daily lifestyle:

1) Wake up early in the morning and take a jog by the beach. It will keep you fresh, active and positive throughout the day!

2) Spend at least ten minutes everyday in breathing consciously. It will keep you rejuvenated and peaceful during the course of the day. Pranayam is the safest bet.

3) Make sure you indulge in some kind deed everyday, even if it’s as miniscule as feeding biscuits to a stray dog or grass to a cow. I will keep you peaceful within.

4) There can be nothing better then reading a good book. It helps you unwind and learn at the same time.

5) Most importantly, smile often… from the heart. Even if things around are not going great, smiling can uplift you and keep you going through tough times.

Mohsin Akhtar, aka impossible is nothing

Published in Mega Modelz magazine – March-April 2009 Issue – © Manali

The humble beginnings…

When the going gets tough, only the tough get going. Mohsin Akhtar was the personification of this adage when left his hometown Kashmir at a young age of 21, and the only thing that he had with him was the burning desire to become a model. Braving impossible odds, he struggled on in Delhi for a while, and one day destiny beckoned this good looking hunk to Mumbai. He heeded the call and the rest, as they say, is history…

The journey from modeling to film stardom…

Mohsin kept his head straight as he only looked for and chose quality projects in films and modeling arena. He believed in doing the right things rather than doing things right. When he won the runner up title of the ‘The Times of India Mr India’ in 2007, the who’s who of the glam world sat up and took notice of this 6”1’ lean model.

Today, he has worked with almost all the fashion designers that include names like Arjun Khanna, Vikram Khanna and many more from the fashion world. He has been the in-house model for Manish Malhotra and has been walking for several designers in the prestigious Lakme Fashion Week since the last three years.

So what is it that stops him from participating in the fashion week this year? “I don’t want to block my dates as my movie is up for release tentatively in March end. And besides, my aim was always to be a Bollywood actor,” confesses Akhtar. Coming from nil filmy background and making it to the top without any godfather in the industry, he is today an inspirational icon for small-town strugglers who come to the city with only dreams in their eyes.

His music videos with T- Series and A.R. Rahman and his cameo stint in the blockbuster Luck by Chance certainly cut his ticket, first-class, to Bollywood.

Following the footsteps of many model-turned-actors, even Mohsin turned town several films offers that came his way as he was not really confident about the scripts. Conversely, he fell in love with the libretto of ‘It’s a Man’s World’ (Ye Duniya Wasi Nahi) that is based on Indian male sex workers; written and directed by Saurabh Sengupta. He immediately agreed to do the film as it was radically different.

Anyhow, Mohsin marks his debut with a comedy film ‘Mumbai Mast Kalandar’ that should be  hitting the big screen in March end. “The movie is truly a reflection of my life… So I feel connected to it,’ he smiles. This movie also stars his younger brother Muzammil Akhtar as a parallel lead. Within the span of less than three years, Mohsin is well on his way to prove himself as the best of model-turned actors that our tinsel town has seen so far.

Heath and Fitness mantra…

“When I saw my favourite actors flexing bulky muscles on screen, I thought even I should have a heavily muscular physique. I started working out in earnest and my weight scored up to 98 kgs,” he says gleefully. “However, when I moved to Mumbai, I was taken aback to see that the same stars were actually lean and proportionate in real life and that’s when I got to know that people tend to look heavy by approximately 40% on screen. Sadly, this is what happens with people from small town – they aim to be like the movie stars they see on screen, but the reality is considerably different,” he asserts.

However, to stay healthy and fit, he strongly believes one has to be regular at workouts and strictly eat healthy food. Coming from a coveted Kashmiri Muslim family, he certainly does not believe in following a particular diet. “I just make sure to intake quality but limited food. I don’t bother much during the lunch and eat whatever I like – dal, roti, vegetables, rice and salad. But my breakfast in the morning is usually filled with cereals and cornflakes with milk. In the evening by 4 or so, I munch on snacks that include sandwiches and other fast food. Nevertheless I am highly particular about dinner, which always includes grill chicken or fruits.”

According to him, dinner is a crucial meal and he prefers being light on it as he boldly terms, “Pet batata hai aapke dinner ka haal!” He recommends that one should munch on small meals every 3-4 hours. ‘It will keep you filled and light.’

Quite surprisingly, Mohsin is not very rigid about the pattern of workouts. “I keep changing my workout regime every month. As after a point of time, the body does not react to the same kind of workout. Sometimes I do two body parts a day, later single body part and cardio and abs thrice a week. The key is to keep on rotating the pattern.” Very few people are blessed with a naturally athletic physique like his, and he quickly comments, “I don’t want to become a body builder. There is a thin line between having a body that looks good and boasting a burly body. So one must always set a goal and work on the kind of body shape they want to achieve. Personally, my motive is to retain a good body and continue looking good, nothing else matters.”

With stars like Shahrukh, Aamir and Salman Khan flaunting the abs, has the ‘six packs’ bug bit him? “It looks cool if you have abs,” he says casually. “It’s like, if you have a six pack and your upper body is not that great, it covers up… but if its other way round, trust me, the body looses its charm. One needs to be very careful regarding these things, rather then just blindly pumping the body,” adds Mohsin.

He also strongly believes that one should avoid carrying cell phone to the gym as it can be a major source of distraction. “When I am working out, I never even bother to even glance left or right… I am just totally into it,” he affirms. Though he does not have a personal trainer, he suggests it’s good to have one. ‘They push you that extra mile.’ He feels that he is gifted with a fast metabolism – as since he tends to put on weight quickly, he also manages to reduce as fast.

His ultimate fitness mantra? “Don’t have alcohol. It makes you mindlessly hungry and then you tend to binge on any food, especially oily food… which can undermine all your hard efforts for developing a good physique,” he says wisely.

As they say, ‘It isn’t the mountains ahead that wear you out; it’s the grain of sand in your shoe.’ Make sure that you shake off that grain every morning before you set out, by following Mohsin’s these ‘five tips…’

1. Wakeup early and plan your day, making a list of things you have to do.
2. Practice yoga or meditation. Alternatively, you can hit the gym if time permits – as morning workouts are the best.
3. Have a nice shower… because your body needs some good pampering. And go through the newspaper, you’ll feel connected with today’s world.
4. Have a heavy breakfast with your family. And if you are staying alone, eat whatever you feel like, with a keen eye on what you actually indulge in.
5. Listen to some nice music that can set the mood for your entire day.