Today’s younger crop of film stars are quite style-conscious keeping in mind their personal comfort levels and image projections in public. For many of them, fitness is second nature and while doing so, their indulgence in leisure activities are also met.
We spoke to four young guns in the South film industry to find out what makes them tick.
Gautham Karthik – Biker dude
Ever since his debut in Kadal in 2013, Gautham Karthik’s career has slowly started accelerating with as many as five films in different stages of production for 2017. But, that doesn’t deter the outgoing youngster from jumping astride his favourite Harley Davidson Super Glide, on weekends and along with a few like-minded buddies, hit the high road to freedom from the arc lights.
Gautham loves to record every journey that he undertakes on his HD. His preference for a camera on the move is Sena. “Sena 10C Evo Motorcycle Bluetooth camera and communications systems can be easily fixed on a helmet or handlebar without bulky rigs and these have communication systems built into it which will help keeping in touch among a group of riders. When my friends and I undertake these road trips, it is always good to be in touch with each other,” says Gautham.
While on weekend rides Gautham ensures that he wears the right kind of gear, both for safety and protection as well as to generally feel good. “I have a range of Dainese riding jackets which are ideally suited for our weather conditions. For knee protection, I prefer Thor Force XP Knee Guards, while Knox Armor goes well with Dainese jackets for body protection in case of a fall or mishap. I have a few Shark full face and half face helmets and depending on the kind of rides I undertake, I use either of them. Using the right kind of footwear is also essential and my favourites are Spartan boots and gloves,” says Gautham.
Arya – Fit as a fiddle
Chocolate hero turned macho man, actor Arya has transformed into an action hero over the years. Many of his recent movies have prompted Arya to follow strict fitness regime closely. Have these kind of roles spurred on his penchant for fitness?
“Not really. I have always kept a strict fitness regime even during my initial days in the film industry. But, the kind of roles I did earlier did not warrant my beefing up,” says Arya who has had to look rough and tough for Kadamban.
“But all through my life I have been an outdoors man and love three specific activities – running, swimming and cycling,” says Arya who owns ten high-end sports cycles, ranging from Bianchi Infinito CV to Canyon cycles. He is a part of twenty active cycling enthusiasts who hit the East Coast Road whenever possible for a few hours of rigorous cycling. “Keeping track of one’s cardio is essential in such physical activities. Currently I am using a Garmin Fenix 3 watch which has several special features like setting distance and speed targets. I have just ordered a Fenix 5 which is a compact multi sport GPS watch with wrist-based heart rate monitor and other advances fitness features. I use Garmin even during my workouts and swimming,” informs Arya.
Swimming is another activity Arya resorts to for keeping his well-toned body in top shape. “Swimming for fitness and for competitive sports are two different activities. I swim more for fitness, but wearing the right kind of swim gear is essential and I find Speedo is an ideal swim wear brand.”
Besides all these activities, Arya is a regular at Monster Gym for developing his muscles and generally keeping fit, with workouts. “Shoes are an essential part of any physical, indoor or outdoor activity. I love shopping for a wide range of footwear ideally designed for my different activities. My favourites are Asics Gel Cumulus 16, Adidas Boost and Nike Air Zoom; these brands have specific products for cycling, running and working out. Wearing the right footwear ensures that you don’t get hurt; it reduces fatigue, too,” says Arya.
Bharath – Smart and stylish
Bharath loves to keep fit and fashionable in a casually smart way, not projecting himself as an ultra-sophisticated dude. Even in his films, most of the characters he has played are close to his real self, he says. “Fashionable clothes and watches – these are the two areas I indulge in. My favourite clothes brand is Pull & Bear, a Spanish label currently unavailable in India, and Zara. Whenever I travel abroad, I zero in on a P & B outlet to pick my selection. They give me an amazing fit for my muscular frame. These brands are not very, very expensive, but classy, nevertheless,” says Bharath. He loves his jeans and clear favourites are Salsa, a very innovative designer label from Portugal, and Diesel. “Depending on the occasion I wear shirts and casual trousers or jeans and tees. Yet another favourite label of mine is Topman of UK,” informs Bharath.
Not too comfortable in suits, Bharath does own a few Armanis and Louis Philippes but a treasured item in his wardrobe is a Sacoor Brothers bespoke suit from their Middle East store. Did you know that the label is a favourite of Cristiano Ronaldo? I wear a suit only if the occasion really warrants one, otherwise I prefer to be seen in some smart casual shirt and trousers paired with a slick pair of shoes.
Bharath is passionate about watches and has more than 20 in his steadily growing collection. “While my dream is to own at least one each of a Ulyesse Nardin and Hublot, presently I have in my collection a few notable ones like Rolex Oyster Silver, TAG Heuer Carrera and Diesel 3 Bar watches, among others. I only wear them for social get-togethers and never while on a shoot, as they could get damaged,” says Bharath.
Catherine Tresa – Penchant for sunglasses
Catherine Tresa is a person with a hundred strong likes and hardly any dislikes. So much so, her favourite indulgences could also run into hundreds! “Why should I have only one favourite indulgence?” questions Catherine. Okay, but can we at least zero down to the top two? Reluctantly she agreed and said, “In order or priority – sunglasses and dogs!” Catherine’s pet passion for sunglasses has seen her notch up about 50 pairs in her constantly growing collection. “My brand loyalty changes every time a new one emerges or a new design is released. Right now, I am wearing an Armani Exchange. I own at least a couple of pairs from every brand but my clear favourite is Dolce & Gabbana of which I have eight pairs,” says Catherine.
Sunglasses come in a variety of shapes, sizes, frames and lenses. “My preference is for horn-rimmed glasses. I particularly don’t like the metal rimmed ones which are so popular with brands like Ray-Ban. Horn-rimmed glasses are lighter and gentler on the facial skin. I wear sunglasses all the time, with lighter lenses even after sundown as they protect my eyes from the studio lights or flash lights. There aren’t any preferences as far as the lenses are concerned, but I avoid the mercury-coated reflective ones as they are so unnerving to others who look at you. Now, can I put in a few words on my love for dogs?” pleads Catherine.
Catherine loves dogs and has three dogs at her duplex home in Banjara Hills, Hyderabad. “The oldest is a 4-year old Pug, Brandy. Then there is the 3-year old Labrador, Cooper and the latest is a one-year old non-breed dog, Bacchus. They have their own collars and leashes as well as beds to sleep on and will never tolerate if they are mixed up. I have a caretaker and trainer and ensure that only home cooked food with all the right nutrients is given. Whenever I am at home, I spend as much time as possible fussing over them and even take them for a walk. Guess what? All of them love KFC, Oreo Cookies and ice-creams! Consequently, they need as much exercise as possible!” states Catherine
