Cyrus Broacha on Fitness, Diet, and the Myth of His “Transformation”

Comedian, satirist, and long-time fitness enthusiast Cyrus Broacha has never been one to shy away from the spotlight—but lately, it’s not his humour that’s making waves. His appearance, particularly his leaner, more muscular frame, has prompted fans and followers to question if he’s gone through a dramatic physical transformation. But Broacha is quick to clarify: “There hasn’t been one.”

“I’ve looked like that for years,” he insists, responding to viral chatter over a recent photo. “Maybe it was photoshopped. I’ve been training for years, and this is how I look.”

In many ways, Broacha is breaking stereotypes—not just about ageing or fitness, but also about what it means to be dedicated to a healthy lifestyle without making it a spectacle. The truth is, he’s always been deeply committed to weight training, going as far as setting up a personal gym during the Covid-19 lockdown. “I got a barbell, a squat rack, a bench, and 340 pounds of weight,” he revealed on his podcast with fitness icon Bani J. “I’ve always loved training. My shape is better, but my size… could be better.”

The Routine: Fast, Lift, Eat

Cyrus’ workout style is unique and rooted in consistency. He prefers “power building”—a hybrid of bodybuilding and powerlifting—which he says keeps things exciting. His sessions are quick and focused, and he doesn’t bother with cardio. “I don’t do cardio. I don’t walk,” he told actor Rohit Roy in another conversation. Despite that, he’s currently down to 84 kg (about 187 pounds), a weight he seems content with.

One key aspect of his fitness routine is fasting. “I fast from 7 pm to 7 am. I work out fasted but eat immediately after,” he said. The first thing to hit his system post-workout? Two protein shakes, followed by eggs. “You can’t go too extreme with diets,” he noted. “I eat well in the first half of the day and avoid carbs.”

He doesn’t count macros religiously but focuses on eating clean, protein-rich meals. This pragmatic approach to fitness—built on habits rather than fads—has been the cornerstone of his regime.

Not a New Passion

For those who’ve followed his career from his MTV days in the ‘90s, the shift in perception can be jarring. Known then for his large frame and boisterous energy, his current look may appear like a transformation—but Cyrus argues it’s simply a case of perspective. “I’ve always worked out. My love for bodybuilding started young—Arnold Schwarzenegger’s books were my bible.”

This isn’t just about appearances for him. “Bodybuilding builds character,” he says. “Within five minutes, you can tell who’s serious. Most guys just do bicep curls and leave. They don’t know how to squat, deadlift, or row. I don’t have many gifts in life, but I know I wouldn’t do something I’m not invested in.”

His current routine, especially post-lockdown, includes body-weight movements and compound lifts. “I train a muscle group once a week now, but I’d prefer to do it twice. I don’t have access to everything, but I make do.”

Cyrus Broacha on Fitness, Diet, and the Myth of His

Discipline, Not Deprivation

Cyrus may have a reputation for being carefree, but he insists that perception doesn’t match reality. “I’m extremely disciplined. I love potato chips—who doesn’t? But I don’t indulge unnecessarily. I don’t even drink.”

He adds that genetics play a role in his appearance. “I’ve got a round face and chubby build, but that’s just me. The heaviest I’ve ever been was 96 kilos, and now I’m 91. Ideally, I’d like to be 93.”

Cardio? No Thanks

Broacha’s controversial fitness take? Cardio is overrated—at least for Indian men. “They’re already skinny with fat in the wrong places. And cardio just eats away the little muscle they do have,” he says, half-joking, half-serious. “Walking is not exercise. You might as well walk your dog—it’s more purposeful.”

While his statements may spark debate, his underlying message is clear: strength training builds real, sustainable fitness. He believes the average gym-goer lacks passion. “Weightlifting demands an attitude like that of a warrior. Most guys come in, go through the motions, and leave.”

Expert Views: Balance Matters

Fitness experts agree that discipline and strength training are critical—but advocate a more balanced approach. Tarundeep Singh Rekhi, a fitness professional, advises combining strength training with HIIT for optimal results. “Tracking your macros, ensuring adequate protein, and including variety is important. It’s not one-size-fits-all.”

Dr. HP Bharathi from Jindal Naturecure Institute adds that food tracking can help avoid overeating and provide insights into eating patterns. “Balanced, thoughtful nutrition combined with discipline is the key.”

The Final Word: Fitness Is Personal

For Cyrus, fitness is more than a phase—it’s a lifelong love affair. He’s aware of public perception, but it doesn’t faze him. “People think I’ve suddenly changed. But I’ve always been like this. Maybe it’s the lighting,” he quips.

Whether it’s lifting weights, sticking to a fasted schedule, or keeping eggs on standby, Broacha embodies a rare, no-nonsense approach to fitness. He’s not trying to be a fitness influencer or sell a transformation story. He’s simply doing what he loves—and maybe, inspiring a few laughs and lifts along the way.