Archive · 26 Aug 2026
Amitabh Bachchan Gives Up Rice, But Should Older Adults?
Amitabh Bachchan said he no longer eats rice or kheer.
This is his personal food choice, not a rule for everyone.
Rice is not automatically unhealthy for older people.
Large amounts of white rice can raise blood sugar quickly.
Eating rice with vegetables, lentils, curd or other protein can make a meal more balanced.
Some people may need less rice if they have diabetes or blood-sugar problems.
Completely removing rice can be harmful if it means losing important calories and nutrients.
Older adults should choose food that supports strong muscles, good nutrition and healthy blood sugar, preferably with medical advice.
Amitabh Bachchan, 83, said on Kaun Banega Crorepati that he has stopped eating rice and kheer.
Doctors say giving up rice is not automatically necessary for older adults and should not be treated as a universal recommendation.
Large portions of white rice, especially without protein, fibre or vegetables, can cause significant blood-sugar rises.
Excessive restriction may contribute to undernutrition and muscle loss if calories and nutrients are not adequately replaced.
Older adults should consider portion size, metabolic health, muscle mass and nutritional needs before eliminating rice.
- Who
- Amitabh Bachchan and Dr Nishant Raizada, Head of Endocrinology at Amrita Hospital, Faridabad.
- What
- Bachchan has stopped eating rice and kheer, prompting discussion about whether older adults should eliminate rice.
- When
- Bachchan made the disclosure on Kaun Banega Crorepati at age 83.
- Where
- The disclosure was made on Kaun Banega Crorepati; Dr Raizada is associated with Amrita Hospital, Faridabad.
- Why
- The dietary choice raised questions about rice, blood sugar, nutrition and muscle preservation in older adults.
Personal Dietary Choice
Individualized Medical Guidance
Whether rice should be eliminated
Personal Dietary Choice
Amitabh Bachchan has chosen to stop eating rice and kheer as part of his changing food habits.
Individualized Medical Guidance
Dr Nishant Raizada says removing rice is not automatically necessary with age and Bachchan's choice should not be treated as a general recommendation.
Managing blood sugar
Personal Dietary Choice
Reducing polished white rice may be useful for people with diabetes, abdominal obesity or high post-meal blood sugar.
Individualized Medical Guidance
Complete carbohydrate elimination is not necessarily required; portion control and combining rice with protein and fibre may support better blood-sugar control.
Nutrition in later life
Personal Dietary Choice
Replacing rice with alternatives such as brown rice, millets, oats or lentils may suit some older adults.
Individualized Medical Guidance
For people vulnerable to undernutrition or muscle loss, eliminating a staple without replacing its calories and nutrients may harm strength, mobility and independence.
- Amitabh Bachchan's age
- 83
- Foods he said he stopped eating
- Rice and kheer
- Relevant concern
- Large portions of white rice can raise blood glucose, particularly when eaten without protein, fibre or vegetables.
- Potential risk of excessive restriction
- Undernutrition and sarcopenia, or progressive loss of muscle mass and strength.
- Possible alternatives
- Brown rice, millets, oats, lentils and other minimally processed grains, depending on individual needs.
- Recommended approach
- Use dietary diversity, appropriate portions and balanced meals rather than blanket carbohydrate restriction.