For Suriya and Jyotika, wellness isn't defined by elaborate routines or the latest fitness trends; it's built through habits that have quietly become part of everyday life. Between film sets, family responsibilities and constant travel, the couple have found a rhythm that prioritises consistency over perfection. Their approach is refreshingly practical: carry a water bottle, make time for movement, get enough sleep and focus on strength rather than appearances.
In this quick conversation with The Hollywood Reporter India, the couple share what's always in their wellness kit, the travel essentials they never leave home without, their go-to workout routines, what weekends look like when work pauses, and the advice that continues to shape how they think about health, longevity and living well.
THR INDIA: What's in your wellness kit?
Jyotika: My gym bag has my gloves, for sure, a deodorant spray and my water bottle.
Suriya: I have been advised by Jyotika to carry a water bottle and my jogging shoes. I like to walk, jog at a minimal incline. And yes, my supplements too.
THR INDIA: What are your travel essentials?
Jyotika: I am the mother of an 18 and 16-year-old, so my essentials are mostly what they need in my bag. It’s full of lip balms and Vicks VapoRub. Not exciting at all.
Suriya: My mobile, headphones, wallet, credit cards. And maybe sunscreen, which again Jyotika has been asking me to keep.
THR INDIA: What’s your workout routine?
Jyotika: I am a morning person, so I wake up, have an apple and rush to the gym. I lift weights, do a physical strength training workout, and then I’m set for the day. I work out four to five times a week.
Suriya: Functional strength training. I had a back injury, so I’m not into heavy weightlifting or powerlifting stuff but I still like to do pull-ups and [work on] my flexibility.
THR INDIA: What does your weekend reset look like?
Jyotika: Weekends are a disaster at home. The kids are all out on Saturdays, so, just being at home and taking charge of the situation.
Suriya: For me, work happens in Chennai. Weekends and family time happen in Mumbai. So, it’s the morning black coffees, seeing the ocean through the window, sitting on the couch, and spending a lot of time watching Reels.
THR INDIA: What’s the best wellness advice you’ve ever received?
Jyotika: The best wellness advice I have received is from my trainer Mahesh Ghanekar. It’s all about strength and not about looks; you will lose weight as a consequence. And at 47, which I am today, I have done my first two pull-ups. He’s proved to me that age is a number and nothing is impossible.
Suriya: I still remember Mammooty sir’s advice: Eat all that I like, but not in the amount that I would like. And don’t compromise on the eight to nine hours of sleep!