Mumbai: Actor Rajkummar Rao has completed shooting for his upcoming biopic Nikam and revealed that he gained nearly 10 kilograms for the role, underscoring his commitment to physically transforming for characters. Sharing an update on February 16, 2026, the National Award-winning performer spoke about his process-driven approach and said he prefers discipline and body conditioning over prosthetics to achieve on-screen authenticity.
In a detailed social media note, Rao described acting as central to his identity and said each demanding role pushes him to reshape himself mentally and physically. He added that the biopic required a noticeable change in appearance, which he embraced as part of the craft.
The yet-to-be-released film is being described as another performance-heavy project in his career, with the actor hinting that audiences will see a visibly different version of him on screen.
Chose transformation over prosthetics
Rao emphasised that he is not inclined to rely on prosthetic aids if a look can be achieved through physical preparation. According to him, altering weight, posture, hair and behavioural traits creates a more organic performance than artificial enhancements.
He wrote that for Nikam, he worked on gaining weight, ageing his appearance naturally for certain portions, and even thinning his hair to suit the character. He noted that some of these decisions were initially discouraged by collaborators, including his hair stylist, but he chose to pursue them for realism.
The actor reiterated that his long-standing belief is that the body should reflect the character wherever possible, instead of depending on external devices. He added that such preparation helps him remain in character even between takes.
Look back at earlier intense roles
Rao also referenced earlier films where he underwent significant transformations despite resistance and risk. For Bose: Dead/Alive, he adopted a partially bald look to portray Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. For Trapped, he drastically reduced weight and changed his eating habits to match the survival drama’s demands.
He further recalled his preparation for Srikanth, where he played a visually impaired character and tried to remain in behavioural rhythm even when the camera was not rolling. According to him, immersive continuity helps maintain emotional truth in performance.
Industry observers often cite Rao as one of the most method-oriented mainstream Hindi film actors, known for prioritising character credibility over glamour.
Diet plan included pizzas and parathas
Detailing his preparation for Nikam, Rao said he gained around 9–10 kg through a deliberate high-calorie diet. His meal plan included foods he normally avoids in large quantities, such as pizzas, sweets, aloo parathas and biryani.
He said the requirement was to look non-glamorous and closer to the real-life personality he is portraying. The weight gain, he explained, was supervised and structured rather than random binge eating, ensuring that the change looked natural on screen.
He expressed confidence that viewers would notice the physical and emotional labour invested in the role once the film releases. While the makers have not yet announced a release date, he indicated that it is expected to arrive soon.
Next step: preparing for Sourav Ganguly biopic
Soon after wrapping Nikam, Rao said he is entering a reverse transformation phase — losing the extra kilos and training for his next major role, widely believed to be based on former India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly.
Referring to Ganguly by his popular nickname “Dada”, Rao said he is getting ready to slip into “Ganguly mode”. The long-discussed biopic on the cricketer has been in development for some time, and his statement strongly suggests active preparation has begun.
Portraying a sportsperson will likely require not only weight adjustment but also cricket-specific physical training, stance work and match-situation simulations. Film trade analysts expect the project to demand another round of rigorous prep from the actor.
Reputation for performance-first choices
Over the years, Rao has built a filmography centred on character-driven stories rather than star vehicles. From independent dramas to mainstream hits, he has frequently chosen roles that require psychological and physical detailing.
Casting directors say such dedication reduces dependence on visual effects and makeup corrections, often resulting in more convincing screen presence. His willingness to look radically different from film to film has also helped him avoid typecasting.
Concluding his note to fans, Rao promised to continue working hard to engage and entertain audiences through sincere performances. With one biopic wrapped and another transformation underway, his schedule points to another demanding phase ahead.
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