When Prabhas got six-pack abs, shed 30 kilos much before Baahubali fame: ‘People won’t accept a flat hero’

Gavin also opened up about helping the actor lose over 30 kilos. “We focused on a high-protein diet along with intense training. But I made sure it wasn’t monotonous,” he explained.

Instead of sticking to conventional gym routines, Gavin kept the workouts dynamic and engaging. “Some days we did boxing, sometimes trained in the steam room. We focused on compound training and played sports like basketball and handball. It wasn’t just about lifting weights—we incorporated a lot of body movement and made sure he enjoyed the process.”

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Speaking about Prabhas’ well-known love for food, Gavin added with a laugh, “He follows his diet strictly until the final shot. After that, nobody can stop him.” Reflecting on his experience, Gavin said, “He has always been cooperative. Compared to many in the film industry, working with him has been a great experience.”

Recalling a time when six-pack abs were considered essential, he said, “I asked Prabhas to develop a six-pack physique, as audiences wouldn’t accept a lean hero opposite leading ladies. But things have changed drastically now—today, viewers care far more about content and performance than just physical transformation.”

Vijay Thakkar, functional medicine expert and celebrity trainer, had earlier told Indian Express how six-pack abs and looking good cannot be the only markers for fitness. “While societal norms have placed great emphasis on visual appeal and have positioned the abdominal definition as a symbol of fitness, it’s vital to note that a toned midsection does not necessarily mean optimal health. It’s also essential to consider cardiovascular health, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, mental wellness, and other physiological markers like homocysteine, C-reactive protein, blood sugar, blood pressure, lipoprotein and cholesterol levels. These are equally if not more essential biomarkers of overall health and fitness,” he said.

He also cautioned against how over emphasis on looks can trigger body image issues. “The overemphasis on abs may trigger body image issues, contributing to unhealthy attitudes and practices, including eating disorders. Therefore, as a society, we should promote a balanced approach to fitness that champions correct breathing techniques, general well-being, functional strength, and mental health above aesthetic ideals.”

During the same conversation, Gavin also named Hrithik Roshan and Tiger Shroff as among the fittest actors in Indian cinema.

“If you’re looking for a ‘Greek god’ physique, I would suggest Hrithik Roshan and Tiger Shroff. They are obsessed with fitness,” he said, adding, “There’s a thin line between passion and obsession. They have a full team—dieticians, doctors, trainers—and invest heavily in their fitness. That’s a trend the industry here should adopt instead of relying on just one person for everything.”

DISCLAIMER: Dietary and fitness needs vary significantly by person. Readers are advised to consult a qualified nutritionist or doctor before making major dietary changes.