Renowned bodybuilding and Hollywood actor, Arnold Schwarzenegger once very rightly said, “The mind is the limit. As long as the mind can envision the fact that you can do something, you can do it, as long as you really believe 100 per cent.”
Taking inspiration from Arnold and being an inspiration to hundred others himself; Anand Arnold, the first wheelchair bodybuilder of India, is a living proof around the world that nothing is impossible if you put your mind to it and give it your 100 per cent. He started bodybuilding when he was just 13 years old and went on winning his first title – Mr. Golden Ludhiana, the same year! But tragedy struck at the age of 15, he was diagnosed with cancer in his lower spinal cord and the surgery left him paralyzed for three years. One day, his friends brought him to the gym to do some shoulder exercises and that was enough to motivate him to start bodybuilding – his undying love, again and since then he has never looked back.
Anand went on to winning 27 titles to his name in which he was crowned Mr. India thrice and Mr. Punjab twelve times among other titles. He is a model for many action toys too. He also participated in the reality show called India’s Got Talent, where the judges and participants gave him the name, Indian Superman.
The Indian Superman has also worked in a Telugu film called Supreme Khiladi and will be doing more films in South and in Bollywood soon. His first love is bodybuilding but in between when he finds the time, he does enjoy shoots, meeting celebrities and being in the limelight of film industry sometimes.
Recently, he did a talk and met up with his fans and gym buddies at Lynx Gym Goregaon, Mumbai where he answered all their questions and helped his fans in techniques of bodybuilding. We got a chance to speak to Anand where he opened up about his personal life;
Your favorite food?
Maa ke haath ka chicken. No cheat meal.
What happens if you miss the gym for a day?
Nothing happens. My body is accustomed to it, even if I gym after 15 days my body will pick up and adapt itself to the regular routine.
What do you think about people taking steroids to gain muscles? I’ve read it at many places that you only take natural supplements. Is it true and why is that?
Yes, it is true. I only take natural supplements and don’t take steroids because I really care about the way I look. Other bodybuilders who take steroids have lost the glow in their skin whereas I want to save the glow of my face and body and I love my organs way too much to harm them in any way.
What are your future plans?
I will be representing India for Mr. Olympia next year which will take place in the United States. I will be finishing shoots for my films too.
Who are your favorite director and actor in Bollywood?
My favorite director is Karan Johar. We met at India’s Got Talent. I like Karan’s characters in his films, their lives, and backstories. My favorite actor is Salman Khan whom I met at Body Power last year and Salman really respected me for what I’m doing and wished me all the best.
Nisha is a handicapped girl who inspired by Anand’s story started going to the gym. She told us about the problems she had to face and how the gym owners were apprehensive of her joining as she would constantly need attention because of her condition.
You heard Nisha’s story, What are your thoughts?
I would request the gym owners to be more supportive towards such matters and believe in the individual and not worry about her getting hurt. Nisha should also be brave and take full responsibility of the workout she does. She should never do anything that can harm her in any way but also be confident and determined in what she’s doing.
Quick tips for your fans out there?
I would suggest them to keep away from their phones while training. It constantly affects your mind and you will never be able to focus 100 percent on your body. I would also ask them to keep away from steroids and try to find other healthy supplements for protein, like home cooked dal, eggs, and meat. I want them to never give up on their dreams and work day and night to achieve it.
Anand is all set to star as himself in a biopic film. The story portrays the struggles and obstacles he had to overcome to become what he is today.
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