Sunaina Roshan, 54, Turns to Strength Training After Jaundice Diagnosis: Prioritising Function Over Looks
Mumbai: Sunaina Roshan, sister of Bollywood superstar Hrithik Roshan, has opened up about her health journey, revealing how a diagnosis of jaundice prompted her to embrace strength training at the age of 54. The focus, she emphasised, was not on building muscles for appearance but on regaining strength, stability, and overall vitality after the illness left her physically drained.
Sunaina shared her experience through an Instagram post accompanied by a video, where she candidly described the impact of the illness. Before jaundice, her fitness routine had been inconsistent, and she admitted she hadn’t fully understood the importance of regular training. The condition significantly weakened her, making even simple daily movements feel challenging and leaving her with persistently low energy levels.
In her post, Sunaina wrote: “Did you know strength training isn’t about muscles. Before jaundice, since I’ve hardly trained, simple things felt harder. My energy was low and I could barely move. That’s when I realised it isn’t about how you look but about how you feel. So, I started strength training. Not for muscles, but to build strength, to move better, to support my joints, and to feel stable again.”
The jaundice episode, linked to her earlier reported Grade 3 fatty liver condition, served as a major wake-up call. It highlighted how the liver’s role in metabolism and energy production can leave the body vulnerable when compromised. Sunaina noted that the targeted strength training helped her rebuild muscle mass, improve posture, support her joints, and make everyday tasks easier. She also experienced benefits like boosted metabolism and stronger bones.
Her approach reflects a shift from aesthetic-driven fitness to functional health — focusing on resilience, better movement, and long-term well-being. Sunaina’s father, veteran filmmaker Rakesh Roshan, encouraged her with a simple yet motivating comment: “Keep going.”
This latest chapter builds on Sunaina’s broader health transformation. Over the years, she has successfully worked on reversing her fatty liver through disciplined lifestyle changes, including home-cooked meals, regular exercise, and eliminating junk food and alcohol.
Fitness experts often recommend strength training as a key recovery tool after illnesses like jaundice or liver-related issues, provided it is started gradually under medical guidance. Bodyweight exercises, light resistance training, or supervised sessions can help restore strength and stamina without overwhelming the recovering body.
Sunaina’s honest and relatable account has resonated with many, inspiring followers to view fitness as a tool for feeling stronger and more capable rather than just looking a certain way. Her story underscores an important message: health setbacks can become powerful motivators for sustainable, meaningful change.
As she continues her journey, Sunaina’s experience serves as a reminder for people of all ages to listen to their bodies and invest in strength and functionality, especially after health challenges. Always consult a healthcare professional before beginning any new exercise regimen, particularly following an illness.
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