The 'Battle of Galwan' Challenge: Salman Khan Gets Candid About Action at 59!

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, who turns 59 this December, has candidly addressed the increasing physical demands of his action-packed career, particularly in light of his upcoming war drama, 'Battle of Galwan'. While fans might wonder if age is catching up to the evergreen action hero, Khan's recent statements suggest a realistic approach to his fitness, emphasizing dedication and increased effort.

 

Known for his larger-than-life action sequences and trademark shirtless appearances, Salman Khan has been a formidable force in Hindi cinema's action genre for decades, particularly since his second innings with hits like 'Wanted' and 'Dabangg'. However, the actor openly admits that maintaining his physique and executing strenuous action choreography is getting "more and more difficult every year, every month, every day."

 

 

The Grueling Demands of 'Battle of Galwan'

 

His latest venture, 'Battle of Galwan', is proving to be one of his most challenging roles yet. The film, directed by Apoorva Lakhia, is based on the real-life 2020 Galwan Valley clash between Indian and Chinese forces, which involved intense hand-to-hand combat at high altitudes. Salman Khan will portray Colonel B. Santosh Babu, the commanding officer who led the 16 Bihar Regiment.

 

Speaking about the film, Khan revealed, "It is physically demanding. I have to give more time now. Earlier, I would manage it in one or two weeks, but now I'm running, kicking, punching, and doing all that stuff. This film demands that." He specifically highlighted the difficulties of shooting in Ladakh's harsh conditions, including high altitudes and cold water sequences, with reportedly 20 days of shooting in Ladakh and 7-8 days in icy waters. He admitted that while he was initially excited about the concept, the practicalities are proving tough.

 

 

Fitness Regime: A Testament to Dedication

 

Despite the challenges, Salman Khan remains committed to his fitness. His long-time trainer, Rakesh R Uddiyar, has shed light on his rigorous routine. Salman follows an "old-school, typical bodybuilding regime called the giant set," incorporating high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with minimal rest. He focuses on volume training rather than heavy weights, and his workouts are typically short and sharp, lasting 45 minutes to an hour.

 

His diet is equally disciplined, primarily consisting of home-cooked meals prepared by his mother, Salma Khan. He prioritizes lean proteins, vegetables, and salads, significantly reducing carbs and eliminating junk food and fizzy drinks, especially when prepping for action scenes. He also incorporates fasted cardio early in the morning and ensures his weight training is completed daily, regardless of his shooting schedule. This dedication has allowed him to maintain a strong physique, even recently stunning fans with a leaner look after facing previous criticism.

 

 

Looking Ahead: A Packed Action Slate

 

While 'Battle of Galwan' is slated for a January 2026 release (skipping the traditional Eid window due to extensive post-production and logistical challenges), Salman Khan's commitment to action roles remains undeterred. Beyond 'Battle of Galwan', his upcoming slate includes other action-heavy films like 'Kick 2', the sequel to 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan' (which he confirmed is in development), and 'Tiger vs Pathaan', scheduled for 2027.

 

In conclusion, at 59, Salman Khan is not "unable" to do action scenes; rather, he acknowledges the increased effort and dedication required. His candidness about the physical demands of 'Battle of Galwan' and his disciplined fitness regimen demonstrate his unwavering commitment to delivering compelling action cinema to his audience. He continues to prove that with perseverance and a strong work ethic, age is just a number in the demanding world of Bollywood action.