07 January,2026 05:10 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
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Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has emerged as an unlikely yet powerful symbol of disciplined living and holistic health. In a recent vlog with filmmaker and choreographer Farah Khan, Gadkari candidly spoke about his remarkable fitness transformation, revealing how he lost 46 kilograms post-Covid and reshaped his lifestyle through unwavering consistency and self-discipline.
Once weighing 135 kg, Gadkari now maintains a weight of 89 kg, a change he describes not as cosmetic but deeply transformative for his overall well-being. "You can see the positive effects of this routine on my face," he said, attributing his renewed energy and youthful appearance to a strict daily exercise and pranayama regimen.
Despite his demanding schedule, Gadkari has made health non-negotiable. "It's 9:30 pm now, and after meeting with you, I have appointments till 1 am. Then I will wake up at 7 am and do exercise for two-and-a-half hours," he shared, underscoring the importance of prioritizing fitness regardless of professional pressures.
Reflecting on his past, Gadkari admitted to living an unplanned and undisciplined life for years. The turning point came during the Covid-19 pandemic, when he lost close friends.
"Many people tell me that day by day you are becoming younger," he said. "It is because of my pranayama and the exercise I do."
Beyond exercise, Gadkari's commitment to healthy living extends to his food choices and farming practices. A strong advocate of organic farming, he follows a mindful diet rooted in clean, natural produce. His wife, a nutritionist, also plays an important role in the journey.
He also revealed that his organic farms are integrated with artificial intelligence, informing about the quantity of water required, the time, etc., blending traditional agricultural wisdom with modern technology to ensure sustainability and efficiency.
Gadkari now actively urges young people to avoid the mistake he feels he made for years, placing everything above personal health. "Give priority to your health. I have made a mistake. It is very necessary," he said.
Through discipline, consistency, and conscious choices, Nitin Gadkari's journey serves as a compelling reminder that true leadership begins with self-care and that lasting success is built on a foundation of good health
