John Abraham can safely be called one of Bollywood’s fittest stars. Even though he spends hours toning and maintaining his physique, he feels “fitness isn’t just about gymming”.
“I believe that it should be a way of life, and not just a phase. When it comes to your health, you should never be caught unawares,” says John.
And as the brand ambassador of the annual Mumbai Marathon, his endeavour has always been to spread the word about the importance of being fit.
“Every celebrity endorses brands for financial and commercial reasons. But I believe I have the best brand fit with the Mumbai Marathon for absolutely
non-commercial or non-financial reasons. It has become synonymous with me and I am happy about that,” says the actor, who has been associated with the event for eight years now.
However, not many know that the Bollywood actor has never personally participated in the marathon. “I keep telling the organisers that I want to run, but they say, ‘You are the ambassador and you have to wave at people and cheer them on.’ But now I understand why that’s the case; this is not my moment to run, but to encourage others to run,” he says.
Recalling how he first came to be associated with the event, back in 2005, he adds, “I remember telling them in the first year, ‘Give me a small token amount because I want to give it to charity.’ Ever since, I haven’t charged a single rupee.” But what he is happiest about is the fact that funds from the marathon have supported over 220 NGOs.
“I think, we have collected about R60 to R70 crore for them,” says John. Ask him about his secret fitness mantra, and he reveals with a smile, “It is all about leading a disciplined lifestyle. It starts in your head. If you have a clean and sorted mind, good health will trickle from your head to toe.”
{{/usCountry}}“I think, we have collected about R60 to R70 crore for them,” says John. Ask him about his secret fitness mantra, and he reveals with a smile, “It is all about leading a disciplined lifestyle. It starts in your head. If you have a clean and sorted mind, good health will trickle from your head to toe.”
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