No Filter: Football beckoned so Sunder upped his game, lost 20 kilos

Sunder Ramu, a popular photographer and actor, has caused jaws to drop before and this time, it’s because he lost over 20 kilos without stepping into the gym! As always, gossip mongers didn’t even bat an eyelid before they speculated he underwent liposuction but Sunder, being the disruptor that he is, put up a post on social media breaking down his weight loss, crediting the Keto diet that he specified was monitored by health professionals. 

Sunder, an avid footballer, had been sidelined from playing the sport due to a severe injury that also prevented him from working out. For most of us, finding the motivation to start and stick to a diet is the hardest part and he tells me, “I just wanted to become the best version of myself purely from a health and fitness point of view. My wanting to get back on the football field and go on backpacking trips again were a big motivation.” He adds, “I couldn’t work out because of my injury. So the kilos kept packing on since I went from seven hours of activity per day to zero. The only way I could get my weight back under control was through a well-planned diet under the supervision of a doctor and dietician. It worked and now I’ve made it my lifestyle.”

What initially started as a diet has also resulted in a change in Sunder’s approach towards food. He no longer considers it as an indulgence; more as fuel for his body. He now eats things he never would have tried before and has given up sugar, fruits and carbs, which were staples in his earlier lifestyle. This diet hasn’t reduced any of the drool-worthy food photographs he posts on Instagram but has only given him the confidence to be the subject of others photographs more often. It’s wonderful to see that spring in your step and continue inspiring people with your naturally disruptive persona, Sunder! 

Poorthi Pravin is a successful model and actor, who transitioned in the peak of her career into a stylist for the cinema industry — the change resulted in several raised eyebrows. Unperturbed by public perception though, she focused on her career goals and now she will be working on her first Telugu and Malayalam projects this year after having completed ten Tamil films in a short span of time. I caught up with her after the success of Imaikkaa Nodigal, starring Nayanthara, Anurag Kashyap, Vijay Sethupathi, Atharvaa and Raashi Khanna.

“I made the shift from modelling because I felt I had done enough and more ads and felt it was better to transition when I was in the peak of my career. I wanted to make the switch because I have seen Uma Bhimsingh’s — my favourite stylist — work over the years and was inspired to take the leap. I have always loved fashion,” she says. It was when she approached Dhanush-starrer Thanga Magan's team to consider her as a costume designer that she got roped in to act in the film as well.

For many, it may seem bold that she took the leap without assisting someone first but her years of being a model and working with several designers was practical experience that held her in good stead. She has walked the ramp for Chaitanya Rao and has even worked with him in the movie Velaikkaran. “Despite being a senior in the industry, there were no ego clashes and he was warm and friendly. In fact, he ended up being my go-to person when in doubt, which is something I appreciate,” she explains.

Poorthi is a huge fan of Nayanthara — like who isn’t — and even more so after working with her. “She knows exactly what she wants and pays great attention to detail. She is a style icon and I keep that in mind when I work with her. Despite her unmatched stardom, I wasn’t stressed during the shoot as she is a thorough professional and everything is planned well in advance. I try to give my stars exactly what I would expect from my stylist and that has worked well for me so far,” says Poorthi. She is also working on two more Tamil films at the moment and despite being a busy bee she makes time for her friends and family. I guess being grounded is what helps you go places in the cinema world.