Rajkummar Rao’s Unfiltered Process
Published on: Feb. 17, 2026, 2:01 p.m. | Source: The Indian Express
After sparking widespread concern with his recent physical change, actor Rajkummar Rao, 41, clarified that his dramatic 10 kg weight gain and thinning hair were intentional transformations for his upcoming biopic, Nikam, where he portrays special public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam. Rejecting prosthetics in favor of authentic "hard work," Rao indulged in a high-calorie diet of pizzas, biryani, and sweets to age his appearance, following a pattern of extreme method acting seen in previous films like Trapped and Bose. However, expert Garima Goyal warns that such rapid weight cycling can severely impact insulin sensitivity, heart health, and metabolic rates, stressing that while actors manage these shifts under strict medical and nutritional supervision, the general public should prioritize gradual, sustainable changes. As Rao now transitions into "Ganguly mode" to portray cricket legend Sourav Ganguly, the focus shifts to preserving muscle mass and cardiovascular health through a strategic recovery plan rather than aggressive restriction.
