I have been watching Nikhil Chinapa on television for as long as I can remember. From his days as an RJ at MTV to becoming a familiar face on popular reality shows such as Roadies and Splitsvilla, he has remained a constant presence in India’s entertainment landscape. And if there is one thing that seems unchanged over the years, it is his seemingly ageless appearance and infectious energy.
In an exclusive conversation with HT Lifestyle, Nikhil reveals his fitness secrets, from his workout routine and diet to his biohacking experiments. (Also read: Rakul Preet Singh talks her fashion evolution and everyday dressing mantra: ‘I didn’t really have an idea of what my style was’ | HT Exclusive ) When it comes to food, Nikhil believes in moderation rather than strict dieting. He has given up adding sugar to his tea and coffee but still enjoys desserts occasionally. “I’m not very rigid about anything. Nikhil does not follow a particular diet . Instead, he has been experimenting with biohacking protocols and techniques that have encouraged him to pay closer attention to the nutritional value of what he eats. His workout routine adapts to his frequent travels, with workouts targeting different muscle groups and yoga helping him maintain mobility and flexibility. Sleep is another priority he is working towards. Nikhil also mentions supplements such as vitamin D, vitamin K2 and magnesium as part of his personal wellness routine, while acknowledging that some of the protocols he is exploring are still being researched. Nikhil believes wellness comes from small, sustainable changes. He suggests moving Instagram off the phone’s home screen to reduce mindless scrolling, leaving two to three hours between dinner and bedtime, and taking a short walk after eating.
Now, returning as a gang leader on MTV Roadies: Rebirth, the 53-year-old continues to impress with his fitness and well-maintained physique.
One thing I believe in is that the reason you stay fit is that you can also enjoy life,” he says. “If I eat a little bit of food, the little bit that I eat needs to have a lot of nutrition in it,” he explains, adding that he has tried to cut down on junk food. “If I can manage my eight hours of sleep, the recovery and fitness and cognitive health, mental health is way better than sleeping sporadically,” he says.
