R Madhavan, known for his memorable performances in films like Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein, 3 Idiots, and Tanu Weds Manu, recently gave fans a personal glimpse into his family life — one where the spotlight has gradually shifted to his son, Vedaant Madhavan, a champion swimmer with an extraordinary routine.
In a conversation with GQ, the actor shared, “As a professional swimmer, Vedaant’s day ends at eight o’clock, and then he’s up again at four in the morning. It’s the most demanding part of the job, not just for him, but also for his parents. That hour is called brahma muhurta, said to be the most spiritually conducive time to wake up.”
He added, “He’s 6’3”, has a swimmer’s body and follows a hyperdisciplined lifestyle. Even eating is an exercise for him; he doesn’t just sit down for dinner, he has to focus on chewing and on meal balance, among other things.” Speaking about his habits in comparison, Madhavan admitted, “I wish I had that kind of discipline; I think I’m actually quite lazy, I just get away with it by calling myself a creative.”
Mental and physical benefits of the kind of discipline Vedaant follows
Kanikka Malhotra, a consultant dietician and certified diabetes educator, tells indianexpress.com, “Early rising supports circadian rhythms. This leads to better sleep quality and improves cognitive function. An athletic structure fosters self-discipline, reduces stress, and improves overall well-being. This is essential for adolescent brain development and resilience against mental health challenges like anxiety and depression.”
She adds, “Mindful eating is also part of this routine. It helps with nutrient absorption and digestion, which are important for growth, metabolism, and recovery in young athletes. Such discipline can boost self-esteem, maintain energy balance, and create lifelong health habits during a critical time.”
How important is mindful eating for athletes or teens in general?
Malhotra notes that focusing on meal balance, chewing, and being present during meals “promotes better digestion, improves nutrient absorption, and reduces gastrointestinal distress.”
She mentions that this is important for athletic performance and recovery. For teens, mindful eating encourages a healthy relationship with food, helps control portion sizes, and prevents both overeating and under-fueling. This protects against energy crashes and mood swings.
Mindful practices reduce distracted or stress-induced eating and foster awareness of hunger and fullness cues. Ultimately, they support optimal physical performance, recovery, and mental clarity.
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How can parents practically foster trust and openness while still guiding their children through discipline and structure?
Creating a judgment-free environment lets children express themselves honestly and helps build their confidence. Malhotra states, “Some practical strategies are having regular open conversations, validating a teen’s feelings, and including them in setting routines and household expectations. Balancing discipline with empathy by explaining the reasons behind rules and inviting feedback strengthens mutual respect. This method helps teens see discipline as a way to motivate themselves instead of feeling controlled by others. It encourages healthy habits and resilience in a supportive home.”
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.