We all know Surya to be a dedicated actor.

But it now turns out that he is also something else.

Something what? A fitness freak, who loves to keep his body trim and fit.

Of course, Surya has an inspiration within his family itself.

"My father (Sivakumar) was known for maintaining a good physique and I feel it is my duty to continue so," he says.

Speaking at the inauguration of a diploma course for gym trainers in Chennai Wednesday, Surya said, "when I did Nandha I realized that an actor has to do physical work-outs seriously. In order to provide realism to the characters that one performs on screen, a good physique is necessary.

"For Kaakha Kaakha, I built my body strong while for Peralagan, I had to lose weight and again for Ghajini, I have to build up my muscles. In such cases, physical exercise is must", he says.

"In today's busy world, physical exercises are essential for everyone and I would urge my colleagues too take to work-outs everyday," he adds for good measure.

Food for thought, really.