Think artist and the picture that comes to mind is someonewith a palette in hand and a faraway look in their eyes. Nineteen-year-oldsRohitesh Manjrekar and Rahul Mayekar of the second year from the Goa College ofArt have a physique that breaks this stereotypical cast; they have flawlesslyinterwoven the concepts of ‘gentle artist’ and ‘powerful muscle’.
“Two years ago I started going to the gym for fitnesspurposes. Last year, my coach encouraged me to take part in bodybuildingcompetitions as my physique was good. I participated at the University leveland won a gold medal,” says Rohitesh who has participated in, and won severalcompetitions after his first. “I drew inspiration from Rohitesh, and the RosaryCollege competition this year was my first,” says Rahul. Is there a connectionbetween art and bodybuilding? “Bodybuilding is an art form; it is about sculptingone’s body with perfect cuts and symmetry,” says Rohitesh.
What goes into the upkeep of all that sinew? “I eat twodozen eggs and half a kilo of chicken per day, distributed in six to sevensmall meals which also include oats, brown bread and fruits. At midday, with myteacher’s permission, I eat boiled grams,” says Rohitesh. Rice and milk are outof the diet and so is spicy and oily food. “The greatest temptation isrefraining from junk food and soft drinks,” he adds.
When competition dates are upon them, they stop includingsalt in their diet a week before the competition and cut off liquids completelytwo days before. Do they get sponsors? “Unfortunately, no,” replies Rohiteshand adds, “I wish we did though, because my food bill amounts to Rs 8000-9000per month.”
“College and workouts with the essential eight hours ofsleep take up all my time.” says Rohitesh when asked about how they jugglecollege and working out.
“I would like to study and work in computer animation afterI graduate,” says Rahul when asked of his future plans. “My father and uncleare artists and I have grown up drawing and painting,” says Rohitesh. “Afterfinishing my degree I would like to pursue either computer graphics orphotography and work on my bodybuilding in my spare time,” he beams.
