An old interview featuring renowned television actor Ram Kapoor, now 51, has recently resurfaced online, igniting considerable debate and controversy across social media platforms. The renewed interest stems from a specific segment of his interview with Humans of Bombay, which was subsequently reposted by Brut India. In this particular discussion, Kapoor delved into the prevalent body image issues within the entertainment industry, addressing the challenges faced by actors who do not conform to conventional aesthetic standards.

The core of the controversy lies in Kapoor’s remarks concerning his former co-star from ‘Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi’, Smriti Irani, 49. While discussing how physical appearance can hinder an actor's success, particularly for those considered overweight, Kapoor used Irani as an example. He stated that Irani, who shared a similar body type with him during their time on the show in the early 2000s, had achieved significant success. He further attributed her physical transformation over the show's eight-year run to the demands of her character, which evolved from a young wife to a grandmother through multiple generational leaps. Kapoor suggested that Irani deliberately allowed her appearance to change in alignment with her character’s growth, portraying it as a professional decision rather than a personal oversight. He even speculated that had she remained in television, she might have surpassed him in popularity, noting her successful transition into politics. He also mentioned that they had openly discussed this topic in the past.

Despite what Kapoor might have intended as admiration, his comments drew widespread criticism from online users. Many argued that his focus on Irani’s weight and physical transformation, however well-intentioned, reduced her multifaceted career to superficial observations, bordering on body-shaming. Critics highlighted Irani’s professionalism, pointing out that she continued acting even through her pregnancies. Frustration was expressed over the persistent focus on female actors' physical appearance, often more so than their male counterparts. Some questioned Kapoor’s credibility, asserting that Irani's performances were characterized by emotional depth and character complexity, transcending physical dimensions.

Beyond this controversy, Ram Kapoor has also recently spoken candidly about his personal health and fitness journey. During a podcast with comedians Bharti Singh and Haarsh Limbachiyaa, the ‘Bade Achche Lagte Hain’ actor recounted a difficult period when his weight peaked at 140 kilograms. He vividly recalled receiving a dire warning from his doctor during the filming of ‘Neeyat’ in Scotland, where he had to administer insulin shots multiple times a day due to critically high blood sugar levels. This medical emergency served as a profound turning point, as his physician presented him with a stark ultimatum: either make drastic lifestyle changes or face life-threatening consequences.

Prompted by this severe warning, Kapoor embarked on a disciplined routine, leading to a remarkable 55-kilogram weight loss. His success was attributed to adherence to three uncomplicated rules: firstly, restricting himself to two meals a day – one late in the morning around 10:30 a.m. and another in the early evening by 6:30 p.m., aligning with principles of intermittent fasting. Secondly, he completely eliminated all snacking between these two primary meals, consuming only water, tea, and coffee to maintain a consistent calorie deficit. Lastly, he strictly observed a cut-off time of 6:30 p.m., avoiding any food consumption beyond this point, regardless of social events, which supports early time-restricted eating for optimized digestion and metabolic efficiency.