Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president K T Rama Rao appears to be drawing inspiration from Andhra Pradesh minister and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) general secretary Nara Lokesh, at least when it comes to shedding weight and projecting a fitter image in public.
On Wednesday, KTR took to the social media platform X to candidly admit that he had gained considerable weight in recent years and had now begun efforts to get back into shape.
“Tired of hiding my paunch. Started training again after a gap of six months. Hoping to be in better shape by July when I turn 50,” he posted.
This is for the first time that the BRS working president acknowledged that he had been trying to conceal his growing paunch. Sources close to him say KTR enjoys good food and has often been described as a foodie.
“Since the BRS is out of power, KTR seems to have no control over food, and it may have contributed to his slightly chubby appearance in recent years,” sources said.
His renewed focus on fitness has inevitably drawn comparisons with Nara Lokesh, who underwent a dramatic physical transformation over the past few years.
In his interview to a national channel a few months ago, Lokesh claimed that he had shed around 30 kilograms by following a strict diet and fitness regimen, particularly during the COVID-19 lockdown period.
Lokesh’s weight-loss journey was partly driven by personal motivation and also encouragement from his wife Nara Brahmani. Besides, there has been intense public scrutiny of his shape during the early years of his political career.
Once ridiculed by political opponents and social media trolls for his physique and perceived lack of political sharpness, Lokesh was often targeted with derogatory nicknames such as “Pappu.”
Determined to alter both his image and physical fitness, the TDP leader undertook a disciplined transformation, focusing on regular exercise and controlled diet.
Over time, he succeeded in shedding significant weight; and his marathon padayatra in the name of Yuva Galam, has also made him fit and strong.
Lokesh’s shift in appearance and style has obviously caught media attention. His more casual campaign attire, often sporting a stubble and simple footwear, also brought him closer to people, unlike KTR who used to look rich and unapproachable with his appearance.
Now, with KTR openly acknowledging his own fitness goals, political observers see an interesting parallel emerging between the two young leaders from neighbouring Telugu states.
Whether the BRS leader’s renewed fitness trial results in a transformation similar to Lokesh’s remains to be seen.