Rajkummar Rao addresses fan concerns over changed appearance: ‘For Nikam, I had to gain 9-10 kg…’

Rajkummar Rao was recently seen at the Bolti Khidkiyaan Short Film Festival in Mumbai. His new look caught everyone’s attention and made fans worry about his health. Many noticed changes in his hair and appearance, which led to much talk on social media. Rajkummar later explained that he gained around 9–10 kilos for his role in the Ujjwal Nikam biopic. He said the film’s shoot is over, and he is now preparing for the Sourav Ganguly biopic, for which he needs to lose the extra weight.

Rajkummar Rao addresses buzz on Instagram

On February 16, Rajkummar addressed the buzz around his changed appearance by posting on Instagram. The actor revealed that his look is part of his transformation for the upcoming biopic on Ujjwal Nikam. He further, “My being is through my Art. Just finished shooting for my next Biopic #NIKAM and yes, it has demanded me to change physically which I love doing. I’m not a believer in prosthetics as long as I can achieve the look through my hard work which I’ve achieved in Nikam, be it gaining weight or looking old (to play a certain age) or to make my hair thin which my hair stylist was very much against but everyone told me to not go half bald for BOSE also and to gain that much weight or to Not stop eating and lose so much weight for TRAPPED or to not behave like a visually impaired person even when cameras weren’t rolling during SRIKANTH."

Rajkummar Rao reveals his intense diet routine

Rao further added, “For Nikam I had to gain around 9-10 kgs and I was eating 2 pizzas and a lot of sweets and my fav Aloo Parathas, Biryani and to not use anything glam to look like the part. Hopefully, when you will see the film which will be releasing soon you will be able to see all that hard work in the film. And now it’s the transition phase and time to lose these extra kgs and get ready to slip into Ganguly mode. Our very own Dada. Will always work the hardest to engage you, entertain you through my work. Much Love”.

Rajkummar Rao's work slate

Up next, Rajkummar Rao will take on the role of Ujjwal Nikam, one of India’s most prominent public prosecutors, in his upcoming biopic. Known for leading several high-profile criminal cases, Nikam’s life brings together real courtroom drama and intense storytelling, making the project a thrilling watch. The film is directed by Avinash Arun. Apart from this, Rajkummar has also announced that he will be stepping into the shoes of former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly for another much-awaited biopic.Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026 , and Telugu movies.”