Heartthrob Bilal Ashraf made jaw drops with his fitness transformation that premiered with his film Superstar.

Here he speaks with Mehek Raza Rizvi about the gruelling process and what being fit means to him

The last time we spoke, you mentioned how hard you were training to get fitter for your role in Superstar. The effort has evidently paid off and you’ve received a lot of praise for it. How does it feel to have achieved your goal?

Well, I don’t know about praise, but it does feel great to have accomplished something I put hard work in. The fitness of my character, Sameer Khan, or the song “Dharak Bharak” may seem like a very small aspect of the movie in its entirety, but it took a year to achieve.

It’s always good to be healthy and in shape, so it’s something that benefited me on a personal level too. At the end of the day, nothing tastes as good as a six-pack feels.

Run us through your training routine. What specific role did diet play in the process?

My training routine looked different every day, based on my work schedule. There were days I trained three times a day, but then there were also days I skipped. In fact, the last 20-21 days I couldn’t train at all, because I was constantly shooting “Superstar” and had no energy by the time I would get done.

To be completely honest, I’d say training is definitely important, but only 20%-30% of the process. The real key is nutrition. I was on a very strict diet with limited water, controlled food and no sugar. It’s pretty scientific and calculated. All credit goes to my trainer, Faisal Shafi, for pushing and pulling me in the right direction.

Was working on your fitness a requirement communicated to you by the makers of the film or was this a personal impulse?

It was a bit of both. My director, Ehtesham bhai and producer, Momina Duraid, both thought it would add an interesting facet to Sameer’s character. I was on the same page.

How did you stay motivated? What advice would you give others to stay on track?

The easiest way to stay motivated is to set a goal and then determine a timeline for it. It could be for anything—getting fit, achieving something in your professional or personal life—whatever it is that you want to work on. Start working backwards once you have your eyes set on the end result and it’ll help you stay focused. That’s what worked for me. Although, I wish I had more time to rest while I was on my fitness journey. Off days are extremely important when trying to build a physique, but I think that’s where Faisal really held me together.

How do you feel life has changed after adopting a healthier lifestyle?

I’ve packed on a few kilos now that the film is out and I’m not being as careful with my diet. However, once you know what it feels like to be fit and wake up with a six-pack every day, you can never completely go back to old, unhealthy patterns. Your mind is constantly pushing you to beat your last accomplishment and set new goals.

Adopting a healthier lifestyle has been life changing for sure. I have more energy, I feel less lethargic and get more done in a day. Honestly, I don’t crave junk food or anything unhealthy anymore. It’s not just about looking a certain way, being cognisant of what you’re consuming is valuable for your heart, your mind and every other bodily function. Feeling stronger is a great feeling.

When celebrities give in to the pressure of looking a certain way, it curbs the conversation on body positivity. How do you respond to that criticism?

If an actor loses or gains weight for a role, they’re just doing their job. It’s our responsibility to do justice to the project we’ve signed and get into character to the best of our abilities. In no way does it signify we endorse body exclusivity. Our transformations may also be temporary, just to fit the characters we portray. The intention is never to set an ideal or make the audience feel pressured. At the end of the day we’re playing someone else on camera, not ourselves.

“It’s our responsibility to do justice to the project we’ve signed and get into character to the best of our abilities. In no way does it signify we endorse body exclusivity”

What’s next after Superstar?

Lots of travelling and rest. I also want to give time to my family.

Is not appearing on TV a conscious decision? Can your fans expect to see you in a drama serial any time soon?

It’s not a conscious decision. If I’m offered a drama serial that touches my heart, of course I’ll do it. As of now, however, I haven’t come across anything that I felt as strongly about, as I do about cinema.

So many celebrities went public with their relationships this year. Is marriage on the cards for you anytime soon?

I guess you’ll have to wait and find out!

SHORT & SWEET

Janaan, Yalghaar, Rangreza or Superstar?

Superstar

Mahira Khan, Armeena Khan or Urwa Hocane – your favourite costar?

Mahira Khan

Biggest lesson you learnt this year?

No matter how much you promote a film, or how big a cast you have, at the end of the day, good content is all that counts

A secret trick you use to ward off the nerves before a shoot?

Listening to good music and surrounding myself with the right kind of people

Favourite song from Superstar?

“Bekaraan.” It was the first song we shot and also the first time I shared screen space with Mahira

“At the end of the day, nothing tastes as good as a six-pack feels”

And dialogue?

“Kisi cheez ko pakray rakhna – umeed; kisi cheez ko chorh dena – yaqeen” (To keep holding on to something is hope; letting go of it is faith)

Who would you say are your closest friends in the industry?

I’ve become very close to my “Superstar” family – Ehtesham bhai, Mahira, Azaan Sami Khan and everyone else. Apart from them, Gohar Rasheed is very dear to me, as are Armeena Khan and Kubra Khan

The last time you lost your cool?

During a promotional shoot for “Superstar.” It was a really stressful day and we were functioning on very little sleep

The most outrageous rumor you’ve heard about yourself?

That I’m married and have children

Interview by Mehek Raza Rizvi
Photography by Shahbaz Shazi