Skip to main content

Kumail Nanjiani recently broke the internet when he posted a shirtless selfie. The funny man’s formerly normal physique was incredibly ripped, prompting his fans to wonder just how he achieved his incredible transformation.

Fortunately, Nanjiani is an open book. In recent days, he has opened up several times about the amount of work that it took to completely change his body. In the process, he revealed the stunning secret that not many people in his position would likely talk about.

Why is Kumail Nanjiani famous?

Nanjiani is a well-known actor and comedian who has achieved fame for his work in several popular projects. He spent the early portion of career working in television, with roles in shows such as Portlandia, Veep, and Franklin & Bash. He gained a following from his work on the Comedy Central channel, including his popular standup specials, and his recurring role on the show Silicon Valley earned him recognition for his acting chops. 

In 2017, Nanjiani turned his attention to a career in film, writing and starring in the movie The Big Sick. The semi-autobiographical film earned serious acclaim and was even nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.

If Nanjiani had naysayers prior to The Big Sick, they were silenced after the sweeping success of the comedy-drama. It was also his work in The Big Sick that indirectly led to Nanjiani’s next big projects – including a prime role in the upcoming Marvel film The Eternals

How did Kumail Nanjiani get ripped?

Kumail Nanjiani in a suit and at a podium
Kumail Nanjiani | Charley Gallay/Getty Images

It was his role in The Eternals, opposite stars like Angelina Jolie and Salma Hayek, that prompted Nanjiani to get into serious shape.

As Nanjiani will be playing a samurai warrior, he wanted his physique to reflect a tough, athletic look, but also feature plenty of muscle. For that, Nanjiani knew that he would have to start spending a great deal of time in the gym.

Nanjiani revealed that he followed a strict workout schedule and visited the gym twice a day for four or five days a week. He made sure to take rest days in order to relax and allow his muscles to reset.

When it came to his diet, Nanjiani followed a low-carb eating plan, which included plenty of vegetables and lean protein. The actor/comedian also added lots of healthy fats to his diet and stayed hydrated by drinking water consistently throughout the day.

He admitted that he rarely took cheat days, but when he did feel the need to indulge, he would reach for traditional Pakistani staples such as naan and rice.

Kumail Nanjiani revealed the truth behind his new physique

Nanjiani opened up in his Instagram post and admitted that while his new body is impressive, he never would have been able to achieve such stunning results without the help of trainers and dietitians. He also gave props to the studio that footed the bill for his trainers and meal prep.

“I would not have been able to do this if I didn’t have a full year with the best trainers and nutritionists paid for by the biggest studio in the world,” the actor said.

Finally, he stated that he was happy to look the way he does, but it certainly wouldn’t have been possible prior to being signed by Marvel for his role in The Eternals

Certainly, most celebrities would not have paid acknowledgment to the studio and trainers the way that Nanjiani did. His humble attitude and lack of deceit only endeared him to fans even more.