Looking back in time, I had always wanted to become a cricketer and my entire childhood was spent on the pitch. Then came the shock for me, as just like many talented young players, I could not clear the national trials and sadly had to put the bat down. My parents and teachers asked me to focus on the dreaded board exams. 

Back then I was extremely skinny. So skinny that my ribs were visible to the naked eye! People assumed that just because I was skinny, I was weak, which resulted in me getting bullied. This got to my head at times and I wanted to hit back but since I was way too skinny, they would often overpower me.

This constant body shaming was bringing down my morale and confidence. Then I thought that if I would gain some weight, people will stop picking on me and I could stand up for myself. 

I joined a gym solely for this purpose. When I went in, I couldn't even lift a 2.5 kg dumbbell and even bodyweight exercises would hurt me. I was yet again bullied at the gym. I got frustrated within a week with all the bullying at the gym and decided to quit. Later that night, I saw Yash Anand's body transformation on YouTube. He was skinny just like me. Actually, even skinnier! But with consistency and hard work he built a great physique. This motivated me to forget about my bullies and just focus on my goal.

Since that day there has been no turning back. Week by week, I overcame my weaknesses and got stronger. I learned from different Indian YouTubers and made my diet that fitted my lifestyle and budget. 

I usually follow two muscle groups a day routine and split it up into push-pull. Compound movements still are the core of my training. Progressive overload plays another big factor in muscle growth that I have always kept in mind.

I counted the calories that I needed in order to put on muscle mass and that was about it. I cook all my meals and keep a check on how much I am consuming and what all I am eating throughout the day. 

My ultimate goal is to build a physique like Hrithik Roshan, and I believe that in the last 2 years I have made some progress towards my goal. And I will continue to better myself each day.