Rajinikanth once advised avoiding 'white foods' after 40. Is it healthy?

At 75, Rajinikanth's fitness has fans curious about his lifestyle. An old video of his gives us a better understanding of the secret behind his fitness.Rajinikanth's latest film Jailer 2 released in the theatres on October 15. (Photo: Getty Images)New Delhi,Oct 16, 2026 11:53 ISTAt 75, Rajinikanth is still taking on action-heavy roles, and his food habits have become a talking point once again. As Jailer 2 released in theatres on October 15, his food habits are back in the spotlight, particularly a diet rule he spoke about nearly two decades ago. It involves avoiding several everyday staples, including rice, milk, curd and sugar.At the audio launch of Kuselan in 2008, the superstar spoke about his secret to staying fit, referring to certain foods as “white food”. He said people could eat anything before the age of 40 but should avoid these foods afterwards. More recently, Jailer 2 actor Mirnaa spoke about Rajinikanth's food and fitness habits in an interview with Cinema Vikatan. She said Rajinikanth avoids spicy masalas and foods such as rice, milk, curd, sugar and salt. She also said he works out before arriving on set, including swimming and using a treadmill.Should you give up rice, milk and curd? The World Health Organization's (WHO) guidance on healthy eating emphasises balance, moderation and variety. It recommends limiting free sugars and excessive salt while including a range of nutritious foods, such as whole grains, vegetables, fruit, pulses and other sources of essential nutrients.White rice, for instance, can form part of a balanced diet. Portion size, what accompanies it and a person's overall eating pattern all matter. Choosing whole grains more often can help increase fibre intake, but that does not mean everyone needs to stop eating rice. Milk and curd can provide protein and calcium. People who cannot tolerate dairy, have particular medical needs or choose not to consume it can obtain these nutrients from other sources, but simply cutting dairy out does not guarantee better health.Salt is also an essential nutrient. The concern is excessive intake, which is associated with high blood pressure and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The WHO recommends that adults consume less than five grams of salt a day.Sugar is a more straightforward target for reduction when it comes to added or free sugars. The WHO recommends keeping free sugars below 10 per cent of total daily energy intake, with further reduction potentially offering additional benefits.The actor has a point about being mindful of what we eat after 40. However, limiting the intake of these foods, rather than cutting them out entirely, may be a more practical approach unless a specific medical condition requires stricter restrictions.- Ends