Kartar Cheema confirms expanding Sikander franchise: The prominent actor spoke about launching YouTube channel and upcoming projects.

Having launched his YouTube channel most recently, actor Kartar Cheema has made the most of the nationwide lockdown as shootings have come to a standstill across the country. Known for his sturdy physique, Cheema was last seen in Navaniat Singh's 'Singham' last year.

Speaking in an interview with Punjabi Mania, Cheema revealed the intention behind beginning a YouTube channel and laid emphasis on giving back to his fans. "Even before becoming an actor, I always had this ambition of becoming a fitness model. Now that I'm an actor as well and people follow me because of my physique, I believe it is my duty to give them something in return," Cheema was quoted as saying.

"I don't intend to benefit monetarily from this channel but it's just that I receive a lot of fitness-related queries and this channel can become a sole platform for people to get answers to their questions. I want to add that I will be primarily speaking in Punjabi [in the videos] so that someone sitting in a remote village also connects to it," Cheema said.

Being asked about his other ambitions with respect to his YouTube channel, Cheema didn't rule out the prospect of him posting video blogs. However, he made it clear that fitness will remain the forte of his channel.

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"I was thinking the other day that I could also post vlogs [on my channel] in addition to fitness-related videos. For example, if I visit any historical place, I can post a vlog around the same.

"However, fitness will always be the main focus. I often hear complaints regarding people not having gym equipment especially in villages. If they can arrange a bench from any carpenter and buy two dumbbells, I can teach them to exercise all their muscles even with limited equipment," Cheema further said.

"How to eat matters more than what to eat..."

The idea of building muscles despite limited equipment at home might sound unreal to some especially in the modern times. Highlighting how brands play smart to sell their fitness-related-products, Cheema threw light on how simple food items can also aid people in remaining fit.

"I admit that eating a protein-based diet is important but also believe that protein powders have been over-marketed. That's what businesses do to any field. Even I am planning to launch a protein powder under my brand. Having said that, I will make sure that my protein powder is bereft of sugars and other components which harm our liver and kidneys. I am planning to launch something comprised of organic products.

"If someone tells me his normal diet comprising of basic food items, I can customize it in a way that people won't have to fall for marketing gimmicks. Langar Pratha is mentioned in Guru Granth Sahib. Langar generally comprises of dal and roti which are the basic sources of protein and carbohydrates. I believe that 'how to eat' matters more than 'what to eat,'" Cheema added.

Not shying away from censuring people and their habits, Cheema sounded unperturbed by people coming up to him with excuses like lack of time with respect to working out. In addition to declaring "walking" as the most basic form of workout, Cheema opened up on how people can keep a check on their weight even if they don't get to exercise.

"Everyone can go for a walk. It is the most basic form of workout which requires no equipment or fee. If you know that you have a sitting job and can't take out time for extensive fitness sessions, make it a point to control your taste buds. I come across people who usually put forward time as an excuse for not exercising but I believe they are themselves to be blamed. You can't blame time when you have no control over what you eat. Agreed that some people have hectic schedules but they can at least have a check on what all they are consuming. Anyone who prioritizes his/her health will find time and ways to workout. I remember a time in life when my leg was fractured but even that didn't stop me from exercising.

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"I don't mean to stop anyone from going out and enjoying with friends or partners provided they remain in their limits. Let us assume that someone wants to consume alcohol during a party. When you know that you have to go out and drink, at least make an effort throughout the day to consume less calories so that your consumption of calories remains in balance even after you consume alcohol [in a certain limit]," Cheema mentioned.

Kartar Cheema confirms expanding Sikander franchise

Cheema, who was slated to play the lead role in Avtar Singh's 'Defaulter' this year, couldn't shoot the movie in March due to the novel COVID-19 pandemic. Being affirmative regarding the improvement in the situation in the next one month, Cheema opened up on the challenge of maintaining a certain physique without being able to visit the gym.

"I am confident that shootings will resume in the next one month. The government has allowed many restrictions of late and I'm sure we will be allowed to resume shooting by adhering to the set guidelines.

"I have worked really hard to maintain a certain body type during the lockdown. Producers won't have to wait because of me. I was required to bring my weight down to 90 [from 94] and I have maintained the same. My body weight won't change until we don't complete Defaulter's shoot," Cheema further added.

This conversation would've been incomplete without discussing the success of Manav Shah's 'Sikander 2' which witnessed Cheema registering a stellar performance. With the movie receiving as many as 11 nominations in the PTC Punjabi Film Awards 2020, Cheema expressed gratitude towards everyone who appreciated it.

"I believe it's our collective achievement that we have received so many nominations. Every artist waits for these days. Sikander 2 getting nominated across categories despite tough competition is like a dream coming true for us. Good that our work is being appreciated," Cheema opined.

Given the applauds received by Sikander 2, there is no hiding to the fact that people are sincerely waiting for the third part of the franchise. Apart from confirming 'Sikander 3', Cheema also disclosed his other upcoming projects.

"Sikander 3 is in the pipeline. No doubt in it. I have two other movies and a [Punjabi] web-series lined up. We will first shoot the web-series and then the other movie," Cheema concluded.