From F.A.L.T.U to Lust Stories, this actor’s journey has been interesting and there’s no sign of him slowing down either. On the contrary, Angad Bedi has taken up a new challenge: pursuing a professional career in sprinting. Recently, he won a silver medal in a state-level 400 m sprinting tournament in Mumbai, competing in the 31-40 year category. He finished the race in just 66 seconds. 

A determined Angad, who will be next seen in R Balki’s sports drama film titled Ghoomer, is now gearing up to represent India at a sprint tournament in the UK. In an exclusive interview with MW, Angad talks about his fitness journey and the passion that drives him forward. 

How has your perspective on your body and physical fitness evolved since you started preparing for the sprint tournament? 

Preparing for the sprint tournament has transformed my perspective on body and fitness. I now understand my internal cues and know when I’m at my best. Sleep, rhythm, and mindset play crucial roles. I feel alive, connected, and present while sprinting. It’s a beautiful experience. 

How do you strike a balance between maintaining fit body and ensuring overall well-being? 

As an actor and athlete, I maintain a fit body by making fitness a lifestyle. I’ve been training since I was 13, thanks to my father [former Indian cricket captain Bishan Singh Bedi], who was my guru. Alongside cricket, I pursued table tennis and swimming, too. Though not trained for track and field, I admired the explosive energy of the athletes. To balance it all, I eat clean and prioritise sleep, but challenging shooting schedules sometimes affect my rest.  

What challenges did you face while preparing for the sprint tournament? 

First, adapting the body to the specific demands of sprinting and preventing injuries were critical. The hamstring and glutes are vital muscles and injury-prone areas for me. To address that, I focused on flexibility and invested in good physiotherapy. Financially, I have set aside funds for diet, physio, travel and training. Additionally, I had to navigate daily variations in body readiness as well as push myself strategically to peak at 100 per cent during competitions. Embracing that lifestyle was the key to success. 

How different it is to train for the sprint tournament vis-a-vis maintaining a physique as an actor? 

To prepare for the sprint tournament, proper nutrition and sleep are vital. A balanced diet with high protein and carbohydrates is necessary for energy and performance. Though eating clean is essential, I avoid a low-carb diet to ensure the body has the necessary fuel for optimal output. It’s like fueling a machine; running on an empty tank won’t yield desired results. Filling the body adequately is crucial for being successful on the track. 

Do you follow any particular diet or nutrition tips to achieve your fitness goals while preparing for your sprint tournament? 

I avoid alcohol and refined sugar. Socialising is kept to a minimum as it’s physically and mentally draining. A supportive home environment is crucial. Enjoying the process is the key; pushing boundaries becomes easier when you love what you do. Changes take time; the body may resist at first, but it’s magical once it adapts. Love and understand your body and it will love you back. 

How important is mental fitness and what is your strategy to stay focused and resilient? 

Mental fitness is crucial alongside physical fitness, and my coach, Brinston Miranda, plays a significant role in keeping me tough and focused. Overcoming injuries and preparing for competitions are emotional journeys unique to athletes. Setting and striving for goals keeps me focused, and though there are ups and downs, maintaining mental equilibrium is essential.  

Being constantly in the spotlight, how do you deal with body image expectations and pressure from media and fans? 

It’s normal to have ups and downs in how you feel about your body. I don’t get caught up in idealised Instagram bodies; everyone has limitations. Instead, focus on understanding your own body, do your best and love yourself. When you love your body, it responds positively. Don’t compare yourself with others; love and accept your own body. 

What are some of your favourite workouts that have contributed significantly to improving your performance in the tournament? 

I avoid fixed routines. Winston Miranda Mysore’s daily challenging regimen keeps me open-minded and attentive as a student. I do not believe in excess training as it hinders progress. I enjoy workouts like 300×14, 100×6, 500×5, and short bursts of sprints like 120×10. Being on the track excites me and the ever-changing process keeps making it interesting. 

How do you prevent and manage injuries while training for such a physically demanding sport? 

To prevent and manage injuries while training, it’s crucial to prioritise prevention. Understand your body limitations and train accordingly, gradually increasing intensity from 60-90 per cent to avoid injuries. Prioritise warm-ups, cool-downs and stretching to enhance fitness and prepare for competitive sprinting. Regular sports massage and icing can aid in the recovery of knees, joints and hamstring. Also, listen to your body and be patient during training. 

What advice would you give to those looking to improve their overall fitness and are considering participating in competitive sports like sprinting? 

My advice would be to find a reliable coach, understand your body limits and hire a qualified physiotherapist. Listen to their guidance instead of pushing yourself too hard. Though injuries may occur, try to prevent them by being cautious. Learn the ABC of sprinting and grasp the fundamental running techniques.  

Can you recall any particularly challenging moment during your preparation and how did you overcome that?  

While preparing, I injured both my hamstrings just before the race in April. But my coach encouraged me to push through and my physiotherapist provided support. Despite wanting to drop out, I started the race slowly and gradually increased my speed. Although challenging, I’m glad I persevered. I learned my time and gained valuable experience running in a competitive set-up. 

How being involved in sports and fitness has helped you in your acting career, physically and emotionally?  

It has kept me in great shape, especially on camera, helping me to portray diverse roles. From Lust Stories to Ghoomar, my physical transformation has been evident, all thanks to my training.