NEW DELHI: For Raghu Ghai, the day begins and ends at the same place -- a gym in New Delhi where he pursues his quest for bulging biceps, a "six-pack" stomach and slab-like chest muscles.

Ghai, 28, explains his body obsession was triggered by Bollywood actors who increasingly display toned bodies that send a new message to Indian males: it pays to keep yourself in trim.

"If Indian heroes can now look hot, then I can have a body to attract women too," said Ghai, who works as a marketing executive at an automobile company.

He takes his mission seriously -- cardiovascular exercises, weights, a high protein diet and energy supplements.

"I am not ashamed that I am a gym addict," he said, adding that he often skips late-night parties, alcohol and heavy Indian food to devote three hours a day to working out.

Gyms equipped with sophisticated treadmills, cross trainers and entertainment systems have mushroomed across urban India and are now opening in smaller towns too.

Fitness First, one of the world's largest gym companies, arrived in India only last year and now has branches in Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore, with plans for rapid growth.