The Coronavirus pandemic has brought along with it several changes that we never saw coming - from social distancing to nationwide regulations and economic crises, people have been trying to cope with the stressful situation through dependence on alcohol - even if it meant breaking the law sometimes.

According to a 2018 WHO report, around 2.6 lakh Indians die each year from alcohol-related causes. Through the lockdown, media has been rife with horrific tales of alcoholics resorting to spurious liquor, dangerous makeshift sources of alcohol and in the worst scenarios, even suicide to keep their cravings away.

Fortunately, there are more than a few role models in our entertainment industry whoâve led against this scourge by example - choosing to abstain from drinking for the sake of professionalism and their own health and fitness. 

Here are a few inspiring actors from Bollywood that have committed to being teetotallers:

1.  Akshay Kumar

© Reuters

Infamous for his fitness discipline and flawless work ethic, Bollywoodâs Khiladi might play it big on the box office, but never with his life. 

Despite being in his early fifties, the actor looks much fitter than his contemporaries and proves it through his commitments to stunt work in action roles - one that has been bolstered by his resolve to not drink or smoke.

2.  Amitabh Bachchan

© Reuters

Despite having played many famous alcoholics throughout his career (the man literally played the ritual role in 1964âs Sharaabi), Big B allegedly doesnât bring the bottle back home from set. 

Claiming to have never touched alcohol throughout his career, the iconic actor has also refrained from smoking and eating meat.

3. Deepika Padukone

© Reuters

The face of dozens of beauty campaigns and supermodel photoshoots, Padukoneâs looks and work ethic stem from an unwavering discipline and disregard for alcohol - which she says she substitutes with healthier options such as green tea and water. 

Not surprising, considering sheâs the daughter of one of the worldâs greatest badminton players of all time.

4. John Abraham

© Reuters

Getting ripped isnât easy - right from his modelling days, Abraham hasnât been the type to rely on intoxicants of any kind to get by, rather focusing his energies on pumping iron in the gym. 

Donât expect him to stay too long at social events either - to keep himself on track, the actor has also committed to a healthy sleep schedule.

5.  Parineeti Chopra

© Reuters

Before she made her Bollywood debut in 2011, Priyanka Chopraâs younger cousin Parineeti made a pretty startling body transformation - shedding over 30 kilos to play the roles sheâs now added to her filmography. 

This didnât come easy though - while focusing on fitness, the actress also made a commitment to drop alcohol - one that sheâs continued long after moving on from her early career.

6. Sidharth Malhotra

© Reuters

"Drinking is a stress reliever for a lot of people (but) I just don't like alcohol," the actor said back in a 2014 interview after his initial success with breaking onto the screen with Student of the Year. 

The only man to have been featured on Menâs Health India cover more than once, the actor has dedicated much of his routine to fitness - and has stayed far away from alcohol through his career.

View the full article