Mumtaz at 78: A Timeless Icon of Fitness and Discipline
Veteran Bollywood actress Mumtaz, now 78 years old, continues to captivate audiences with her timeless charm and remarkable physical fitness. Defying the conventional expectations of aging, she attributes her youthful vitality to a highly disciplined lifestyle, which includes strict dietary habits, consistent exercise routines, and valuable guidance from fellow actor Akshay Kumar.
Revealing Her Fitness Philosophy in a Candid Interview
In a recent interview, Mumtaz openly discussed the secrets behind her enduring good looks and robust health at this advanced age. She did not shy away from addressing what she perceives as the primary obstacle to maintaining fitness for most people. "Ninety percent of people in this world are lazy," she stated during a conversation with journalist Vickey Lalwani, emphasizing the need for strong willpower and dedication.
The No-Dinner Rule: A Key to Her Health Regimen
Sharing detailed insights into her daily routine, Mumtaz revealed that she completely avoids eating dinner, a practice she follows rigorously. "I don't eat in the evening. Even Akshay Kumar once told me the same, don't eat at night, and he follows it too," she explained. Her dietary schedule involves a strict cut-off time, with all meals finished by 4 pm. She consumes nothing until the next morning, except for an occasional apple if she feels hungry later in the day.
A Simple Yet Effective Daily Diet Plan
Her mornings begin with a straightforward breakfast. "I wake up and have what the English eat, cereal with milk," she said. Lunch serves as her primary and most substantial meal of the day. "My cook makes one roti of jowar or bajra, which I eat with meat or vegetables." After this, she refrains from eating for the remainder of the day, sometimes opting for a piece of fruit if necessary. Mumtaz acknowledged that adhering to such a regimen demands immense discipline and self-control, noting that many people find it challenging to maintain.
Commitment to Physical Exercise and Strength Training
Fitness for Mumtaz extends beyond diet to include daily physical activity. She dedicates approximately 90 minutes each day to exercise, incorporating strength training into her routine. "I lift 5 kg weights, do leg exercises, everything," she shared. She believes that staying fit is not merely about diet and workouts but is fundamentally rooted in consistency and relentless hard work. "I became Mumtaz because I worked hard. Without hard work, you get nothing in life," she remarked, reinforcing her view that laziness is a significant barrier to achieving fitness goals.
Inspirational Advice from Industry Legends
In an earlier interaction with ETimes, Mumtaz reflected on memorable advice from the late actor Dev Anand, which continues to shape her perspective on aging. She recalled, "I remember Dev Anand once told me that I should take care of my hair and body. He said that I should always try and look young. He said, 'Mumzi, age is a bloody number'. He said if I look good I can have a boyfriend at 90 too." She added that Dev Anand demonstrated his point by showing her three girls waiting for him on a date when he was 80 years old. Mumtaz follows this advice along with Akshay Kumar's recommendation to avoid eating after 6 pm.
Akshay Kumar's Advocacy for Early Dinners
Akshay Kumar has consistently promoted the benefits of early dinners for health and digestion. Speaking at a book launch last year, he explained, "It is important to eat around 6:30 pm so your body has enough time to digest the food. By the time you go to sleep—around 9, 9:30, or 10—the stomach is ready to rest. It's a very simple thing." This aligns perfectly with Mumtaz's own practices, highlighting a shared commitment to health-conscious living in the entertainment industry.
