Asian men are signing up to gyms across Hounslow in record numbers as they attempt to shape up for a career in Bollywood.
More than 100 people joined Gold's Gym in Lampton Road, Hounslow, in the first two weeks of January alone, and manager Francis Kelly said the majority of members are Asian men.
Sheraz Yousaf, personal trainer and owner of the Vista Health Club in Hounslow, said Bollywood hopefuls were desperately trying to emulate the super-fit stars they see every week on the big screen.
Such is the demand, Hounslow's leisure chiefs have even set up Bollywood fitness classes in Heston, where people can shed pounds to a soundtrack of hits from the movies.
Shahid Khan, of Netley Road, Brentford, is typical of the aspiring Bollywood stars trying to bulk up for a shot at stardom. He is already making a name for himself as a Bollywood singer and performed to thousands of people at Wembley Arena in November.
But the 22-year-old former Heathland School pupil, who has set up a home gym, said it was almost impossible to make it these days without looking as good as you sound.
"I work out at home on a daily basis because image is so important nowadays," he told the Chronicle. "In the past, it was more about the voice but it's hard to make it today without the image. It's not just about looking good though. Working out also improves my stamina, so I can hold my breath longer on big notes."
Although Bollywood has always been big in Hounslow, crossover hits like Oscar contender Slumdog Millionaire and West End musical Bombay Dreams, plus the increasing availability of Asian TV channels, have given it a more widespread appeal.
Raja Kashif, of Wellington Road, Hounslow, managed to persuade a host of Bollywood legends to star in the video for his new single, My Dearest Maa.
He said it was a sad fact that, in the modern industry, acting ability plays second fiddle to musical talent. "Bollywood is more about glamour than anything else these days and I think young men are starting to realise this and try to emulate their idols by working out at the gym," he added.
