13 February,2024 07:06 AM IST | Mumbai | The Hitlist Team
Kunal Kemmu and Soha Ali Khan
Soha and I never had to build a conversation around fitness because both of us are people who like to be fit for our sanity, and also because we want to look a certain way, and take pride in that. Our dietary [choices] are different, but we have found dishes that we both like. I would say, she has come into my zone, when it
comes to [consuming] some foods. In turn, I've adopted healthier cooking [habits] because of her. At least we can eat the same lunch and dinner. In that way, we've been able to complement each other. [Soha has helped me when] I was lacking motivation. For instance, during COVID, thanks to her, we found online training classes. She motivated me and got me into the rhythm of exercising at home. She started doing yoga, and asked me to join her. When she had a trainer who would come home to teach her, she again asked me to accompany her, and I enjoyed working with him, and subsequently started training with him too. In the same vein, when she's demotivated, I tell her about a new workout that I've been doing. Subsequently, she gets back to it. So, it's helped that both of us have the same mindset when it comes to fitness.
Neha is a runner and I am a sprinter; we come from different sports disciplines. But, we both try and do our best in our respective [games]. My biggest gift from Neha is Brinston Miranda, who [she introduced] me to. He is a wonderful person who is now my [sprinting] coach, and my life has changed since I met him. He keeps me fit, even for the cameras. On the screen, the leaner you are, the better you look. When you are married to someone with the same outlook, it is a fantastic [union]. [Neha] understands the demands of our profession and our personal lives. I am fortunate to have someone who understands how competitive our field is, and how important longevity is in this [acting] career. And, a healthy lifestyle is integral to achieving that. Also, the fitter you are, the happier you will be, and, for that, I have a lot of regard for my wife. She's brought about changes in my outlook to life.
I first joined the gym at the age of 32 after my wife [transferred her membership] to me when she became pregnant. I have been adhering to a healthy lifestyle ever since. Also, I would often be demotivated by the process of getting to the gym, so, she encouraged us to create a gym at home. Apart from the physical benefits, training has enhanced my vocal quality. It keeps my voice sounding young and supple. Also, Radhika ensures that the food cooked at home is healthy. We do not have a lot of carbs like rice or wheat for dinner, and she has ensured that we adhere to that lifestyle. In the last six years, she has been drawn to [the education about] mental health. Learning about it from her got me excited. It was like being introduced to a new world. Often, in our efforts to become physically strong, we miss out on practicing things that enhance our mental well-being and [help in the maintenance of the hormones] serotonin and cortisol. The goal is to stay healthy; that has been Radhika's outlook.
Fitness has always been an integral part of our lives and is something we bond over. Parag is an enthusiast, and we like to try different kinds of workouts. This, I believe, is a great way to remain healthy, spend quality time together, and help one another grow. We look forward to matching our schedules so that we can train together. It's always fun to have your better half motivate you. Given our erratic schedules, I'm often tempted to skip training, but Parag's dedication eggs me on.
