Salman turns trolls into fitness: A look at fit stars at 50

In May 2025, a concert video of Salman Khan went viral, showing the actor's t-shirt riding up during a dance performance and revealing his midsection. This brief moment led to a flurry of online trolling, with critics questioning the 59-year-old superstar's fitness and speculating about his waning appeal.However, Salman, known for his resilience and dedication, responded not with words but with action. He shared intense gym photos on social media, captioned "Thank you for motivation," turning the criticism into a catalyst for reaffirming his commitment to fitness.This incident highlights a broader narrative in Bollywood: age is no longer a barrier to maintaining peak physical condition. Veteran actors are redefining fitness standards, proving that discipline and consistency can defy the limitations traditionally associated with aging.

The 'Dabangg' star's regimen is a blend of traditional and innovative practices. Under the guidance of his long-time trainer, Rakkesh R Uddiyar, he follows a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) routine, focusing on volume training with minimal rest between exercises. His workouts are intense, often conducted without air conditioning to maximize calorie burn.His diet is equally disciplined. Salman prefers home-cooked meals prepared by his mother, emphasizing lean proteins, vegetables, and salads.

He avoids processed foods and maintains a calorie intake that supports his rigorous training schedule.Beyond the gym, Salman engages in outdoor activities like cycling and swimming, further showcasing his commitment to a holistic fitness approach.Salman's influence on fitness culture in India is both profound and enduring. Widely recognized as a pioneer in promoting gym culture, his dedication to fitness has inspired countless individuals across the nation.

In a 2015 interview, actor-producer Arbaaz Khan credited his brother Salman for revolutionizing the fitness landscape in India. He stated, "Salman is the one who actually started the gym culture in this country. If you see earlier, people did exercise, there were 'akhadas' and other gyms, but nothing that was state-of-the-art. Salman is the one who revolutionized everything."

Salman's commitment to fitness dates back to his early days when he began his bodybuilding journey at Bhaiya Gym in Bandra, Mumbai, paying an annual fee of just Rs 60.

This humble beginning laid the foundation for his transformation into a fitness icon. His dedication not only transformed his own physique but also set new standards in Bollywood, inspiring a generation of actors and fans to prioritize health and fitness. Salman's influence is evident in the proliferation of gyms across the country and the emphasis on physical fitness in the entertainment industry today.By turning personal discipline into a nationwide movement, Salman has undeniably played a pivotal role in shaping India's contemporary fitness culture.Redefining Age and Fitness in BollywoodSalman Khan's response to online trolling serves as a powerful reminder that fitness is a lifelong journey. His actions inspire not only his peers but also fans across generations to prioritize health and well-being, regardless of age.In an industry that often emphasizes youth, Salman and other veteran actors are shifting the narrative, proving that age is just a number when it comes to maintaining a fit and active lifestyle.Bollywood's 50+ Fitness IconsSalman Khan's dedication to fitness is mirrored by several of his contemporaries, who continue to set benchmarks for health and vitality in their 50s and beyond.

The 'King of Bollywood' made a formidable comeback with his chiseled physique in recent films, reflecting his dedication to fitness. Shah Rukh emphasizes the importance of consistent workouts and has been known to maintain a rigorous training schedule to achieve his desired physique.

Often dubbed the 'Greek God' of Bollywood, Hrithik Roshan's commitment to fitness is evident in his structured regimen. He focuses on weight training, ensuring each session targets specific muscle groups, and complements this with daily cardio activities like walking and swimming. Prioritizing rest, he ensures adequate sleep and hydration, consuming 4-5 liters of water daily.

Known for his disciplined lifestyle, Akshay incorporates martial arts, yoga, and functional training into his routine.

He emphasizes consistency over intensity, advocating for regular, balanced workouts. His dietary habits include early dinners and home-cooked meals, aligning with principles of intermittent fasting.

Talking to ETimes about how he manages to keep his passion for fitness alive for so many years, Suniel Shetty had said, “I am somebody who came into fitness first. Because of my fitness, I got films. Because of my physique and my action scenes, I became that action hero. So there is no way I can forget that. If I want to live in people’s memories forever, it is surely going to be like – ‘What a physique this man has got!’Elaborating more, he added, “I am in my 60s and I want to show people that I am the leanest and fittest actor.

So the idea is to show people that if you are focused, there is nothing you cannot achieve. My calendar age may be different from my biological age and that is what I want to prove. Age is just a number.”

When asked about his fitness and workout routine, Shetty averred, “It is not that I am doing anything special. I have been eating right, taking care of myself right and I give myself some me-time to meditate and do yoga. I enjoy what I do.

I want to set an example for the youth and people of my age saying- ‘Try and it will happen with you also!’ It is not something impossible. It is very possible. But you need to have the discipline for it.

”

Defying age, Anil Kapoor maintains his youthful energy through a mix of weight training, cardio, and yoga. He often shares glimpses of his fitness journey, including beach sprints and gym sessions, inspiring fans across generations.Milind Soman (Age: 57)A former supermodel and Ironman athlete, Milind Soman's minimalist approach to fitness involves short, intense workouts spread throughout the day. His routine includes exercises like planks, push-ups, and kettlebell swings, emphasizing consistency and functional strength.Anupam Kher (Age: 69)Embracing fitness later in life, Anupam Kher incorporates weightlifting, boxing, and daily walks into his routine.

He often shares his fitness journey on social media, motivating others to prioritize health regardless of age.

Amitabh Bachchan, often hailed as the 'Shahenshah' of Bollywood, exemplifies timelessness. At over 80, his dedication to health is evident. Bachchan's fitness regimen includes daily walks, yoga sessions, and a balanced diet rich in nutrients. His commitment to a vegetarian lifestyle has earned him recognition, including being named 'Hottest Vegetarian male' by PETA India in 2012. Beyond physical fitness, Bachchan's mental agility is sharpened through regular reading and engagement in various intellectual pursuits, reflecting a holistic approach to well-being.Trainer Vrindaa Mehta notes, “If Amitabh Bachchan can make time to exercise, normal people can too,” highlighting that mindset trumps schedule. His diet avoids processed foods and excess sugar, occasionally indulges in chaat mindfully, and includes nutrient-rich gooseberry juice for antioxidants Madhuri Dixit (Age: 58)Madhuri Dixit maintains her fitness through a combination of dance, balanced nutrition, and healthy snacking. Sonali Kulkarni: Adding to the narrative of Bollywood celebrities embracing holistic health over extreme measures, actress Sonali Kulkarni, at 50, has openly addressed the pressures of maintaining a lean physique in the industry. In a recent interview, she emphasized her commitment to well-being, stating, "I don't think that at the cost of my health, I want to be thin." Kulkarni highlighted the prevalence of unhealthy practices, including the use of slimming drugs and eating disorders like bulimia nervosa, among her peers.

She advocates for mindful eating, regular exercise, and self-acceptance, underscoring the importance of valuing one's health over conforming to industry standards.

Malaika Arora maintains her youthful glow and toned physique through a disciplined fitness regimen that includes yoga, Pilates, and High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT). She recently shared a no-equipment HIIT workout comprising jumping jacks, glute kicks, air jump rope, and high-knee taps, emphasizing the importance of consistency and variety in workouts. In addition to her workouts, Malaika follows a 16:8 intermittent fasting routine, where she fasts for 16-18 hours daily, consuming only coconut or jeera water in the morning. This approach aids in maintaining her energy levels and metabolic health.

Mandira Bedi exemplifies how discipline and a positive mindset contribute to overall well-being. Her fitness routine includes strength training, cardio, yoga, and Pilates.

She emphasizes the importance of daily physical activity, stating that doing something is better than doing nothing. Mandira's diet focuses on balanced nutrition, with high protein, low carbs, and ample hydration. She also practices mindfulness and self-love, believing that embracing imperfections and maintaining a positive outlook are key to happiness and health.

At 54, R. Madhavan underwent a significant transformation by adopting mindful eating practices.

He emphasizes chewing food thoroughly and maintaining a diet rich in natural foods while avoiding processed items. Madhavan's approach underscores the importance of dietary habits in achieving and maintaining fitness, proving that mindful eating can lead to substantial health benefits.

While slightly younger than her male counterparts, Shilpa Shetty's contribution to promoting fitness, especially yoga, is noteworthy.

She launched her own Yoga DVD in 2015 and has been involved in several fitness campaigns, including the Fit India Movement. Her holistic approach to wellness, encompassing physical fitness, mental health, and nutrition, has made her a prominent figure in the fitness community. The Underlying Motivation: Beyond the PhysicalFor these actors, fitness transcends physical appearance; it's integral to their craft and overall well-being.

Maintaining peak physical condition allows them to perform demanding roles, execute action sequences, and endure the grueling schedules that the film industry often entails. Moreover, their commitment to health serves as a powerful message to fans and younger generations about the importance of a disciplined lifestyle.The Science Behind Ageless FitnessHealth experts emphasize that regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, and mental engagement are crucial components of healthy aging.

Engaging in exercises like yoga enhances flexibility and mental clarity, while strength training preserves muscle mass, which naturally declines with age. A balanced diet rich in essential nutrients supports bodily functions and aids in disease prevention. The routines followed by these actors align with these principles, showcasing practical applications of these health guidelines.Conclusion: Inspiring a GenerationThe dedication to fitness exhibited by these Bollywood legends serves as a testament to the adage that age is just a number. Their lifestyles inspire countless individuals to prioritize health, embrace discipline, and pursue passions relentlessly. In an industry that often celebrates youth, these actors remind us that vitality and excellence are achievable at any age through commitment and a positive mindset.

Their journeys encourage us to redefine our perceptions of aging, illustrating that with determination and care, one can remain youthful, both in body and spirit, well into the golden years.