Fighter Movie Turns 1: The Man Who Gave Hrithik Roshan A Tough 'Fight' Is A Real-Life Fitness Role Model
Fighter Movie Turns 1: The Man Who Gave Hrithik Roshan A Tough 'Fight' Is A Real-Life Fitness Role Model (Image Credits: Instagram)
Fighter turns one today, but it still gives us goosebumps whenever we talk about the movie. Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone did an amazing job in their roles as Air Force fighters, but sometimes, it’s the villain who grabs the spotlight. That’s exactly what Rishabh Sawhney did as the deadly terrorist Azhar Akhtar. His powerful performance not only left an impact on the audience, but he also gave Hrithik a tough fight on screen that made the audience go ‘ga-ga’ over that action scene. His role added a whole new level of strength and energy to the film, making it truly unforgettable.
Apart from his acting skills, what stunned the audience was his chiselled physique and the way he pulled his character. Rishabh’s commitment to fitness and the transformation he underwent for Fighter has made him a fitness role model in real life. To learn how he aced the look and role so effortlessly, we got in touch with him for an exclusive interview where he shared about his fitness journey, challenges, and how he stays on track even with his busy schedule.
1. What Was Your Fitness Routine Like For Fighter, And How Did You Tweak It For Azhar Akhtar’s Role?
Preparing for Fighter required Rishabh to change his physique drastically. As a model, he had always kept a lean body, but for his role as Azhar Akhtar, he had to bulk up and get stronger.
“I’ve been into fitness for over 12 years,” Rishabh says. “Before Fighter, I worked out six days a week to maintain my lean body at 69 kg. But for this role, I needed to get bigger and stronger.”
Rishabh Sawhney’s Transformation For Fighter movie (Image Credits: Instagram)
The transformation wasn’t easy. “I gained 11-12 kg for the role by working out twice a day and eating six to seven meals a day. To help with recovery, I started doing ice baths and getting deep tissue massages since the training was so intense,” he shares.
2. Did Hrithik Roshan’s Dedication To Fitness Influence Your Training? Any Tips That Hrithik Gave You?
- For someone like Rishabh, who is passionate about fitness, working with Hrithik Roshan was a huge inspiration. “Hrithik sir has been my fitness idol since I saw Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai,” Rishabh reveals. “His physique and dedication to fitness have always inspired me. Watching him work on Fighter up close made me want to push myself even harder.”
Although Hrithik didn’t directly give him fitness tips, Rishabh learned a lot just by observing his work ethic and discipline.
3. What Workout Or Training Was The Toughest For You During Prep, And Why?
Even though his training was rigorous, Rishabh admits that the hardest part wasn’t the workouts—it was making sure he got enough rest.
“The toughest part for me was learning to rest. I don’t sleep much, and with my intense routine, it was hard to recover from fatigue and muscle soreness,” he explains.
Man Who Gave Hrithik Roshan A Tough 'Fight' (Image Credits: Instagram)
4. How Do You Maintain Your Fitness While Travelling For Shoots Or Promotions?
- Despite a packed schedule with shoots and promotions, Rishabh stays committed to his fitness. “I always stick to my diet no matter where I am, which keeps on changing as per the requirement of the role,” he says. “Hotels usually have gyms, but they’re not always great. That’s why I carry resistance bands with me. They help me do quick workouts and stay consistent.”
5. What’s Your Go-To Source Of Protein, And How Do You Ensure Proper Intake During Busy Or Travel-Heavy Schedules?
For Rishabh, maintaining his protein intake during busy days is easy with protein shakes and bars. “I always carry protein shakes and protein bars with me. They’re easy to grab and ensure I get the protein I need,” he says.
6. As Men’s Skincare Regimes Have Become A Big Thing These Days, What's Your Grooming And Skincare Routine Mantra?
When it comes to skincare, Rishabh keeps his routine simple but effective. “You know, I only recently started paying attention to skincare, and it’s a lot to take in! There are so many steps and products, but I’ve figured out a routine that works for me. In the morning, I keep it simple: icing, face wash, moisturizer, and sunscreen. At night, it’s face wash, moisturizer, and a vitamin E serum before bed. It’s nothing fancy, but it keeps my skin healthy and fresh.”
7. What’s One Fitness Or Grooming Tip You’ve Learned From Your Journey That You’d Recommend To Fans?
- Rishabh believes that the key to success in both fitness and grooming is consistency. “For fitness, consistency is everything. Sure, there are shortcuts, but they don’t give you lasting results. If you keep at it day after day, you’ll see results that stick. For grooming, it’s more personal. Everyone’s skin is different, so it’s all about experimenting to find what works for you. Once you do, stick with it.”
What’s Next For Rishabh?
Rishabh is all set for his upcoming projects, and though he can’t reveal too much, he’s already working on new roles that will require him to transform his body again.
“I recently worked on a film where I had to gain weight and lose muscle. I enjoyed the process because I got to eat pizzas and burgers!” he said. “For my next role, I’ll be playing two characters—one is much bigger than the other, so I’ll be working on my training soon.”
Rishabh Sawhney’s journey from a fitness enthusiast to a Bollywood actor has been inspiring. His transformation for Fighter made Azhar Akhtar a memorable villain, and it also showed his dedication to fitness. Whether on-screen facing off against Hrithik Roshan or off-screen setting new fitness goals, Rishabh proves that he’s not just a fighter in the movie—he’s a fighter in real life too.
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