Our Bureau
Mumbai
Actor Rajkummar Rao’s 42nd birthday has brought renewed attention to the dramatic physical transformations he has undertaken for his film roles, including gaining 13 kg for Bose: Dead/Alive and subsequently losing 10 kg in a month for Fanney Khan.
Rao had gained weight to portray Subhas Chandra Bose in the 2017 web series Bose: Dead/Alive. Following the project, he faced the challenge of shedding the additional weight for his role in the 2018 film Fanney Khan. In an earlier interview, the actor spoke about the demanding routine he followed during that period.
According to reports, Rao said he had stopped having breakfast and lunch during the weight-loss phase and relied on a protein-heavy dinner. He also described undertaking lengthy daily workout sessions involving cardio and strength training.
The actor’s approach reflected his reputation for committing extensively to the physical requirements of his characters. He has also spoken about following a vegetarian diet, with foods such as tofu and paneer forming part of his meals. Reports have highlighted his efforts to avoid sweets and sugar when preparing for certain appearances.
Rao, who continues to be recognised for his versatility and commitment to acting, is next set to appear in Dada, a biopic on former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly. The film is directed by Vikramaditya Motwane and produced by Luv Ranjan and Ankur Garg.