Stand-up artist and actor Cyrus Sahukar says his wisecracks flow smoothly because of the good level of mental and physical health.
“I think people who listen to comedians have much better health than comedians as we dabble into too many things. That is why stand up artists sometimes look shattered. Seriously speaking, comedy needs lot of energy so we need to have good health to maintain optimum energy level.”
Hailing from a military background, fitness was not far from him. “When my parents did my military test I was like a hostage. I was not that kind of fit! Whatever fitness I have is because of the shows during which I have to stand up for hours.”
Describing himself as born nervous, Cyrus says most of his time goes in thinking about the next punch and in the process most of the workout happens. “When I think, I walk. And then genes play their part. I am fit as I have seen photographs of my ancestors who were so fit,” he quips.
Cyrus says a stand-up artist is judged every 10 seconds so freedom from stress becomes necessary. Hence, instead of weight training, Cyrus emphasises on functional training. “I regularly do free hand exercises, push-ups, squats or a 20-minute run, wherever I can. It helps me in keeping my mind clear of all the stress and then drama keeps my focus sharp.”
Cyrus, who was in the Capital to attend Kurkure’s “Why So Sweet comedy fest”, says he eats everything that is is unhealthy. “And I have never been to a dietician. But I keep my system clean by switching to healthier alternatives off and on which keeps me going.”
His fitness mantra for his fans is interesting. “What I would like to suggest everyone is do some thing for at least 25 minutes a day, which makes you sweat. It can be running, squatting or jumping. You can also opt for being chased by a dog or catch a chicken!”
