Rajkummar Rao Gains Weight and Thins Hair for ‘Nikam’, Begins Prep for Sourav Ganguly Biopic
Actor says physical transformation was achieved without prosthetics as photos of his altered look circulate online.
Photos of Rajkummar Rao with a noticeably altered appearance circulated widely online this week, prompting speculation about the actor’s health. Rao later clarified that the change was deliberate and part of his preparation for an upcoming biographical film titled Nikam.
In a post on Instagram, the actor said he gained weight and thinned his hair to match the character’s age and physicality. He added that he prefers altering his own body rather than relying on prosthetics where possible.
“My being is through my art,” he wrote, explaining that the film required him to look older and physically different. Rao said he gained around 9–10 kilograms for the role, adjusting his diet accordingly and avoiding cosmetic styling to keep the appearance natural.
He also noted that the approach is consistent with his past work. For the series Bose: Dead/Alive he partially shaved his head, while for Trapped he significantly reduced his weight. During the filming of Srikanth, he maintained behavioural traits of a visually impaired character even when the camera was not rolling.
Rao said the transformation for Nikam required sustained dietary changes, including increased calorie intake, to achieve the desired body shape. He expressed hope that the effort would be visible to audiences once the film releases.
The actor is now reversing the process as he prepares for another biographical project based on former India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly. In the same note, he said he has begun losing the added weight to fit the next role’s physical requirements.
Rao’s comments emphasised his preference for physical preparation over technical alteration. He said he intends to continue “working the hardest” to engage viewers through performance rather than visual effects.
Rao did not share further plot details about Nikam, but indicated the film has completed principal photography and is in post-production. The Ganguly biopic, still in preparation stages, will require another physical recalibration. The actor said the transition between projects is ongoing and part of his routine process between character-driven roles.