In a year dominated by his powerful performances, Akshaye Khanna has emerged as one of Bollywood's most successful actors. His roles as the antagonist in back-to-back hits 'Chhaava' and 'Dhurandhar' have cemented his position, despite lead actors changing in both films. The constant factor was Khanna's compelling screen presence, leading many to wonder about the secret behind his sustained success and energy.
The Fuss-Free Philosophy: Diet and Rest
Contrary to the intense gym routines and packed schedules common in the film industry, Akshaye Khanna attributes his vitality to a remarkably simple lifestyle. The 50-year-old actor, famous for playing Rehman Dakait in 'Dhurandhar', recently shared his personal regimen, which revolves around minimalism in diet and prioritizing rest.
In a candid conversation with Bollywood Hungama, Khanna disclosed that he has followed a two-meal-a-day pattern for decades, completely skipping breakfast and evening snacks. "For as long as I can remember, even today, I never eat breakfast. I go straight to lunch and then dinner, and even between lunch and dinner I don't eat anything at all, not even a sandwich or a biscuit," the actor revealed. His only indulgence between meals is a cup of tea in the evening.
What's on Akshaye Khanna's Plate?
Khanna's meals are as straightforward as his eating schedule. He is a firm believer in home-cooked food and avoids following fleeting dietary trends like gluten-free or vegan diets. His lunch typically consists of dal, rice, one vegetable, and one non-vegetarian dish like chicken or fish.
Dinner is equally uncomplicated, usually featuring roti with one vegetable and one chicken preparation. "That's what I mostly eat," he stated, emphasizing his preference for normal, everyday Indian food. However, the actor does have a sweet tooth and confessed that he can eat sweets at any time. His favourite foods include lychee, bhindi (okra), and cake.
Beyond Diet: The Critical Role of Sleep
Perhaps as crucial as his dietary habits is Khanna's commitment to ample rest. In an industry known for erratic hours, he swears by getting about 10 hours of sleep every day. This combination of a simple, wholesome diet and significant rest forms the cornerstone of his health and professional stamina, allowing him to deliver powerful performances consistently.
While his on-screen persona may be intense, off-screen, Akshaye Khanna prefers a quiet, fuss-free life. This approach seems to be working brilliantly for his career. However, his professional journey recently saw a bump as he was reportedly involved in a controversy leading to his exit from 'Drishyam 3'. Producer Kumar Mangat Pathak alleged disagreements over the actor's look and remuneration, with Khanna walking out despite a signed agreement.
Looking ahead, Akshaye Khanna is set to make his Telugu film debut with 'Mahakali', marking an exciting new chapter in his diverse career. His story is a testament to the fact that in the glamorous world of Bollywood, sometimes the simplest habits—like eating dal-chawal and getting a good night's sleep—can be the real secrets to lasting success.
