Many associate fitness with grueling gym routines and strict diets. But for others, the real key lies in steady habits and balanced living. During the premiere of The Great Indian Kapil Show on Netflix,
Salman Khan shared insights into how he and his 89-year-old father, veteran screenwriter Salim Khan, manage to stay healthy.
In a heartfelt exchange, Salman remarked, “My dad, touchwood, Mashallah, he tells me that meri khuraq khatam ho gayi hai (my appetite has gone down), but he eats 2-3 parathas, then rice, the gosht (meat), then dessert, twice a day. Unka ek metabolism alag hai. Unka discipline alag hai (His metabolism and discipline are on a different level) (sic).”
He expressed admiration for his father’s well-being and determination. “So he has been walking all the way to Bandstand and back every single morning. We’re so happy to see that. We are so proud that we have a father who’s fighting it out,” the actor added.
When discussing his own approach to fitness, Salman emphasized moderation rather than restriction. “I’ll eat anything but won’t overeat. Like say, 1 spoon rice or at max one-and-a-half, whatever vegetables, then chicken or mutton or fish.” For him, staying healthy is less about eliminating food groups and more about being conscious of how much is enough.
He also spoke about his role in popularizing fitness within the Indian film industry, noting how he was among the early actors to champion the gym culture. He mentioned how encouraging it is to see veterans like Dharmendra still making wellness a priority.
So, can portion control without cutting out entire food categories be a sustainable method for staying healthy?
According to Deepika Sharma, a Delhi-based personal trainer and functional nutrition specialist, the answer is yes. Speaking to indianexpress.com, she said, “Yes, it can. Eating less of everything is often easier to follow than strict diets. Portion control allows people to enjoy different foods while keeping their calorie intake in check. It helps with weight management and reduces the chances of overeating. You don’t need to avoid entire food groups if you’re eating reasonable amounts and staying active.”
And when it comes to health and appetite at an advanced age, like in one’s 80s or beyond—how much is determined by genes, and how much by habits?
Sharma believes both elements matter. “Genetics set a base for metabolism, but lifestyle plays a big role in how it functions over time,” she explained.
