From Kiara Advani to Karan Johar and Alia Bhatt, he has trained them all. But for Sohrab Khushrushahi, a lawyer-turned-fitness coach, stardom doesn’t change the fundamentals. “I don’t treat celebrity clients any differently,” he said.
Khushrushahi reminisced about how his journey began with Ajay Piramal, and soon spread by word of mouth. “He’s a mentor to me,” he told indianexpress.com in a candid interview.
During the conversation, Khushrushahi also spoke about his latest venture, The Func Lab, a clean-label performance nutrition brand born “out of frustration,” why one must keep their gut happy, myths about protein powders, and much more. Read the edited excerpts below:
Q. From law to fitness, how did the transition happen?
Sohrab Khushrushahi: The shift wasn’t some dramatic turning point; it was a slow burn. I had been a lawyer for over a decade, but I wasn’t excited anymore. Fitness has been a part of my life since I was a teenager. It grounded me. So I started helping people train, and that evolved into SOHFIT. It’s never just been about looking good, it’s about helping people move better, feel stronger, and show up for themselves.
Q. Who was the first celebrity you trained, and how did that collaboration come about?
Sohrab Khushrushahi: Mr Ajay Piramal. I consider him more of a mentor than a celebrity. One of the biggest and most respected names in the world of business. Like most of my clients, it began through word of mouth. We got talking and began working together. But honestly, I don’t treat celebrity clients any differently; the work is the same. The connection is what matters.
Q. You’ve worked with Karan Johar, Mira Kapoor, and more. How do you work around hectic celeb schedules?
Sohrab Khushrushahi: Their schedules are definitely intense. But that’s where flexibility and adaptability come in. You don’t need 60-minute sessions every time. Some days, it’s a 30-minute bodyweight circuit in a hotel room. Other days, it’s just focusing on mobility or breathwork because they’ve had a long day on set. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about doing what you can and when you can. That’s the mindset that helps you stay consistent despite the chaos.
Q. You also worked closely with Alia Bhatt. How did you tweak her routine during pregnancy?
Sohrab Khushrushahi: Alia is one of the hardest-working individuals out there, and I have an immense amount of respect for the effort she puts in, every single time.
During her pregnancy, of course, the workout routine changed. A lot would depend on how she was feeling on a particular day because with pregnant women, no two days are the same. We always had a plan and programme, but we would tweak them when and where required.
Story continues below this ad
The effort was always top-notch. We slowed things down a little to make sure she was always ok. We focused on breath and pelvic floor work with a lot of strength training to make sure we maintained our strength levels.
Q. Tell us about your latest venture, The Func Lab. What led to its conceptualisation?
Sohrab Khushrushahi: The Func Lab came out of frustration. At SOHFIT, I kept seeing people do everything right –– they were training well, eating mindfully but still not recovering properly or seeing results. The issue was always nutrition. There was so much confusion, and most of the supplements out there were packed with fillers or had labels no one could understand. We wanted to fix that. So we built clean, functional products that actually do what they say. No fluff, no gimmicks. Just tools that support people who show up and do the work.
Q. What is the biggest mistake Indians make when it comes to consuming protein (powders)?
Sohrab Khushrushahi: Thinking it’s only for bodybuilders. That’s the first one. The second is buying the cheapest or flashiest product without reading the label. A lot of powders in the market have everything except actual quality protein. Protein is essential for everyone, not just people lifting weights. It supports recovery, metabolism, immunity, and even satiety. And you don’t need ten scoops a day. You just need one good scoop that actually delivers what it promises.
Q. Of late, many people have realised the importance of gut health. As a fitness expert, what 5 things would you recommend for a happy gut?
Sohrab Khushrushahi: Gut health impacts everything from energy to immunity to mental clarity. First, cut down on wheat if it doesn’t sit well with you. A lot of people feel bloated or sluggish after having too much of it, and they don’t even realise it. Second, reduce dairy if it doesn’t suit you. You don’t need to cut it out completely, but too much milk can cause digestive issues for many people.
Third, add a solid probiotic to your routine. Fourth, get into the habit of walking after your meals. Even a 10-minute stroll helps digestion and blood sugar regulation. And lastly, chew your food properly. Most people eat in a rush, barely chew, and wonder why they’re feeling heavy or uncomfortable after. Slow down, chew mindfully, your gut will thank you.
Story continues below this ad
Q. How is training sportspersons different from celebrities?
Sohrab Khushrushahi: It comes down to the goal. For athletes, it’s about performance, strength, speed, endurance, and injury prevention. Everything is built around their sport. For actors, it’s usually more aesthetic-driven –– how they look on camera, how they feel through long shoots, how they recover between schedules. The effort is the same, the goal just shifts. The plan always has to be built around the individual.
Q. As a coach, what are the 5 things you do personally for healthy living?
Sohrab Khushrushahi: I move daily, no matter what. I eat clean, but I don’t obsess over it. I prioritise sleep because that’s where real recovery happens. I hydrate properly, especially with electrolytes that support training. And I switch off when I need to. Time with family, quiet walks, breathwork, that’s just as important as training.
Q. Which celeb client would you say is most dedicated when it comes to fitness and health, and what is it that they do differently?
Sohrab Khushrushahi: It would be unfair for me to really pick one. I’ve enjoyed training each one of them and they’ve all had their own journeys. At the end of the day, they are human beings just like you and me who put in the work. They are very particular about their routines and training, and also very good with their nutrition, which really helps.