Rajkummar Rao Reacts To Trolls After His Look From Nikam Biopic Goes Viral: I'm Not A Believer In Prosthetic

Rajkummar Rao has shared that a major physical change for upcoming film Nikam is now giving way to another big transformation for a Sourav Ganguly biopic, after online debate about the actor’s recent older look and visible weight gain.

The actor was recently photographed at the Bolti Khidkiyaan Short Film Festival in Mumbai, hosted by casting director Mukesh Chhabra, where Rajkummar Rao appeared with stubble, glasses and a black shirt, looking heavier than usual, which led to social media users questioning the sudden change and expressing concern about possible health issues.

Rajkummar Rao Nikam Sourav Ganguly biopic: online reaction and clarification

Responding to trolling about “looking old”, Rajkummar Rao explained that the altered appearance was intentional and linked to Nikam, in which the actor plays Indian special public prosecutor and politician Ujjwal Nikam, who became a Rajya Sabha member in 2025, and Rajkummar Rao prefers physical changes over prosthetics for such roles.

Clarifying the extent of this preparation, Rajkummar Rao revealed that he had to gain around 9–10 kg for Nikam, a biopic centred on high-profile lawyer Ujjwal Nikam, and the actor said the commitment matched earlier intense methods used for films like Bose, Trapped and Srikanth, where Rajkummar Rao altered behaviour and appearance between shoots.

Rajkummar Rao Nikam Sourav Ganguly biopic: weight gain diet and method

For the Nikam weight gain, Rajkummar Rao indulged in calorie-heavy favourites, including two pizzas a day, several sweets and regular helpings of aloo parathas and biryani, and the actor mentioned hoping audiences notice these efforts once the film arrives in cinemas, as the performance depends on matching Ujjwal Nikam’s age and physical presence.

Sharing a detailed note about this approach, Rajkummar Rao 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 Rao also recalled earlier advice to avoid going half-bald for Bose, warned about gaining too much weight and later barely eating for Trapped, and staying in character like a visually impaired person on and off camera during Srikanth, describing these experiences as part of a long-running pattern of intense preparation for biographical roles.

Film	Preparation detail
Nikam	Gained about 9–10 kg to resemble Ujjwal Nikam
Bose	Went half-bald despite advice against it
Trapped	Gained weight, then drastically reduced food intake
Srikanth	Maintained behaviour of a visually impaired person off camera

Rajkummar Rao Nikam Sourav Ganguly biopic: fitness shift and upcoming shoot

With Nikam wrapped, Rajkummar Rao said the focus now turns to reversing that weight gain for the Sourav Ganguly project and building the fitness levels needed to portray the former Indian cricket captain, whose life story remains one of the most anticipated sports biopics in Hindi cinema.

Describing this next phase, Rajkummar Rao stated, "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 Sourav Ganguly biopic is expected to begin filming next month, continuing Rajkummar Rao’s run of biographical roles.