'I wasn't the hot guy anymore': Rana Daggubati reveals returning advances for films after transplant

In a recent interview, Rana Daggubati shared the raw reality of his career-altering health crisis. The Baahubali star revealed that after suffering kidney failure and heart complications following the film's success, he returned the advance payments for several high-profile projects, including a wrestler movie. Having undergone a life-saving transplant in the US, Rana explained that his physical transformation meant he no longer looked like the "hot guy" or the towering warrior filmmakers had originally cast. "Staying alive was my first concern," he admitted, reflecting on a time when his only goal was survival, not stardom.Speaking about that phase on Chapter 2 hosted by Rhea Chakraborty, Rana revealed a decision that surprised many: he returned the advance payments for several films he had already signed. His physical transformation after the surgery meant he no longer fit the larger-than-life roles planned for him. Rather than delay projects or compromise on expectations, he chose to return the money. He explained that during that period, his only goal was to stay alive, and everything else, including career and image, became secondary. “I had several films lined up. There was a story about a big-a** wrestler and similar projects. I don’t resemble any of those characters. I was returning advances, and all that was happening,” he said.Rana Daggubati's appearance also brought some confusing memories. He remembered an immigration official calling him “King Bhallaladeva,” which brought back memories of the King Bhallalladeva persona. In one of the more amusing incidents he recounted, he met his friend Varun Tej, who suddenly looked more like the old Rana than Rana himself. He was having a laugh about it, but not recognising his own familiar self was upsetting. “I remember a friend of mine, the actor Varun Tej, came to see me at one point. He’s a really big guy as well. Halfway through our conversation, he started looking more like me than I actually did,” said Rana.When he returned, Rana Daggubati came back to the business with a renewed perspective on life. He now has standards and does only what he finds important. Rana leads 'Kaantha' (2025) opposite Dulquer Salmaan, Bhagyashri Borse, and Samuthirakani, and he co-produced it. He also made guest character appearances in 'Mirai' and 'Parasakthi', continued with Rana Naidu Season 2, hosted The Rana Daggubati Show, and provided the voice for Solo Leveling. His life journey at this time serves as an inspiration that character, health, and self-confidence are worth more than being a larger-than-life character.