‘Sleep with a slight hunger': Tamil film star Silambarasan shares his fitness mantra at 42

Indian Express

20-05-2025

At 42, Tamil actor Silambarasan TR — fondly known as Simbu — continues to draw attention not just for his performances but also for his lean, sculpted physique. Known for his dramatic weight loss transformation in 2020, the actor has since maintained a fit and disciplined lifestyle.
When asked at a recent public event about his message for staying healthy, Simbu shared a perspective rooted in consistency and moderation. 'Actually, we can eat anything at this age,' he said according to the Hindustan Times, adding, 'Fitness is something that takes time, and there are no immediate problems right now. But don't take it for granted and spoil yourself, as you will struggle a lot later on.'
He went on to offer one simple yet impactful piece of advice: 'Eat a little lighter at night, and even sleep with a slight hunger, and everything will be fine.' Simbu also warned against going to bed immediately after a heavy meal. His transformation journey has been nothing short of inspiring — shedding nearly 30 kilos in 2020 through early morning routines and dietary discipline.
In an interview with the Times of India, his fitness trainer Sandeep Raj revealed, 'He starts his day at 4:30 am with a brisk walk, followed by a gym session targeting various body parts. Initially, we worked out four days a week, but now it's five days a week.' Raj also noted how Simbu made a switch to 'alkaline-rich, nutrient-dense foods,' adopted a 'calorie-deficient diet,' and even juiced salads he didn't enjoy — showing how determination and adaptability can work hand in hand.
Ashlesha Joshi, senior nutritionist at Tone 30 Pilates, tells indianexpress.com, 'The idea of going to bed with a slight sense of hunger isn't inherently harmful and, in fact, can align with principles of mindful eating and digestion. Our metabolism naturally slows in the evening, so eating lighter at night may support better sleep quality and prevent late-night indigestion or bloating. For some individuals, it may also help avoid excess calorie intake, which supports long-term weight management.'
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That said, 'slight hunger' should not be confused with skipping meals or going to bed with strong cravings or nutritional deprivation. 'It's important to ensure that the body is still getting enough nutrients during the day. Everyone's hunger cues are different, so listening to your body and maintaining overall dietary balance is key,' she asserts.
A calorie-deficient, high-protein, low-carb diet can be effective in the short term for weight loss and muscle preservation, especially when paired with physical activity. For individuals over 40, this approach may support lean body mass and improve metabolic efficiency.
'However, long-term sustainability depends on the individual's health status, lifestyle, and how balanced the overall nutrition is. Extremely low-carb diets can sometimes lead to nutrient deficiencies or fatigue if not managed carefully. For people in their 40s and beyond, it's important to tailor any diet to support bone health, hormonal balance, and energy levels. Regular health check-ups and consulting a qualified nutritionist can help make such plans both effective and safe,' Joshi states.
Focusing on alkaline-rich, nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains is supported by solid nutritional science. 'These foods are naturally anti-inflammatory, fiber-rich, and packed with antioxidants — factors that are known to reduce the risk of lifestyle diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and obesity,' explains the nutritionist.
It's not about drastically altering the body's pH levels (which the body regulates on its own), but about improving overall food quality, which is indeed a valuable preventive health strategy.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.