Actor Rajkummar Rao has addressed the recent wave of online discussion and trolling triggered by his altered appearance at a public event in Mumbai, clarifying that his new look was intentional and part of his preparation for his upcoming biopic on public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam.
Videos and photos from the gathering went viral, prompting fans to comment on his noticeable weight gain, thinner hairline and overall changed visage, but Rajkummar took to Instagram to explain the reason behind the transformation.
In a detailed caption, Rajkummar emphasised that he never resorts to prosthetics whenever possible, choosing instead to physically adapt his body to embody the characters he plays.
He wrote, "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 prosthetic as long as I can achieve the look through my hardwork 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 hairstylist was very much against..."
Rajkummar also referenced past transformations, noting that he had previously undergone dramatic physical changes for roles in Bose, Trapped and Srikanth, where his commitments to the parts involved weight loss, unconventional appearances and deep character immersion.
Looking ahead, Rajkummar revealed that he is now in the “transition phase” of his physical journey as he gears up for the much-anticipated biopic on former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly, affectionately known as Dada. Preparations for the Ganguly project, including physical conditioning, are expected to begin soon as Rao focuses on shedding the extra kilos gained for Nikam.
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"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," wrote Rao.
The Ganguly biopic is one of his most-awaited films. It is set to go on the floors next month.
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