Randeep Hooda to Rajkummar Rao: Actors who underwent drastic transformations for their roles

For Trapped (2016), Rajkummar Rao had to look weak and malnourished, as he played a man trapped in an apartment without food and water. To achieve this, he survived on black coffee and carrots, rapidly shedding weight to look convincingly desperate and helpless. His dedication to realism was evident in his extreme diet and physical transformation.

Randeep Hooda’s transformation for Sarbjit (2016) is one of Bollywood’s most shocking physical changes. To play Sarabjit Singh, an Indian prisoner in a Pakistani jail, he lost 18 kg in just 28 days, surviving on a diet of black coffee and apples. His drastic weight loss made him look unrecognizable, showcasing his commitment to embodying the character.

Aamir Khan is known as Bollywood’s “Mr. Perfectionist,” and his transformation for Dangal (2016) was one of his most impressive. He gained 27 kg to portray an aging Mahavir Singh Phogat and later lost all the excess weight to sport a lean, muscular wrestler’s physique for the younger version of the character. His transformation involved a strict diet and intense weight training, proving his dedication to authenticity.

To portray Alauddin Khilji in Padmaavat (2018), Ranveer Singh underwent a rigorous body transformation, training like a warrior. His fitness regimen included weightlifting, functional workouts, and strength training, along with a high-protein diet to bulk up. His menacing on-screen look was a result of months of disciplined workouts and training.

Hrithik Roshan had to gain weight and look unfit for his role as mathematician Anand Kumar in Super 30 (2019). However, within months, he transformed into an action star for War (2019), showing off one of Bollywood’s most shredded physiques. His intense strength training, cardio sessions, and disciplined eating habits helped him achieve this remarkable change.

For Toofaan (2021), Farhan Akhtar trained like a professional boxer, undergoing a transformation that involved boxing drills, weight training, and endurance workouts. He had to gain and lose weight multiple times to showcase different phases of his character’s journey, proving his commitment to realism.