Recent photographs of Rajkummar Rao from a public event on Sunday sparked concern among fans, with many pointing out his noticeable weight gain and altered hairline. As images from the appearance circulated online, social media was flooded with questions about the actor’s transformation.
Addressing the speculation, Rajkummar clarified on Instagram that the change was deliberate and for his upcoming biopic titled Nikam. In a detailed note, the actor explained that he had recently wrapped the shoot for the film and underwent a physical transformation to embody the character authentically. The actor will play the role of public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam in the film.
“My being is through my Art,” he wrote, adding that the role required him to gain nearly 9–10 kilograms. He revealed that he consciously avoided prosthetics, choosing instead to rely on physical changes achieved through diet and discipline. The transformation included weight gain, altering his appearance to look older, and even thinning his hair — a move he admitted his hairstylist was initially against.
The actor also reflected on past transformations, recalling how he went partially bald for Bose, dramatically lost weight for Trapped, and immersed himself deeply into character while playing a visually impaired man in Srikanth. For Nikam, he said he indulged in foods like pizzas, sweets, aloo parathas and biryani to achieve the required look, steering clear of anything ‘glam’ to stay true to the part.
Rajkummar expressed hope that audiences would recognise the effort once the film releases. He also shared that he is now in a transition phase, working towards shedding the extra kilos as he prepares for his next role. The actor is now stepping into ‘Ganguly mode’, referring to his upcoming portrayal of former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly, fondly known as Dada.
Ending his note on an affectionate tone, Rajkummar assured fans that he would continue to work hard to engage and entertain them through his craft.
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