In a stunning revelation, Bollywood actor Randeep Hooda recently shared insights into his grueling journey of shedding a staggering 32 kilograms for his role in the upcoming biopic, Swatantrya Veer Savarkar. The actor, known for his commitment to his craft, delved into the challenges he faced, including the perilous health risks he encountered during this transformation.
Randeep Hooda, who portrays Vinayak Damodar Savarkar in the titular role and also directs the biopic “Swatantra Veer Savarkar,” revealed in a recent interview with Mid-Day the significant physical transformation he underwent for the character, a change so profound that it nearly endangered his life.

Hooda’s dedication to embodying the character of the legendary freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, popularly known as Veer Savarkar, is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Transforming his physique to accurately portray Savarkar’s persona on screen demanded an arduous physical and mental toll, pushing the boundaries of his endurance.

In a recent interview, Hooda candidly admitted, “I absolutely could have died,” reflecting on the extreme measures he undertook to achieve the dramatic weight loss necessary for the role. Such a statement underscores the intensity of his commitment and the risks he willingly embraced in pursuit of artistic authenticity.  He also said- “I had to be losing [a] kilo a day for a certain number of days… It was very tough. I would often feel extremely weak, and would faint. It’s a terrible thing for an actor to go through. But, I believe, looking the part is something every actor should do. It should be the [very least] one does. I had planned things out, but they didn’t work out. So, the longer that [I had to adhere to the diet], the more frustrated I became. I had to suffer due to a lack of organisation, and had to do it twice over… I absolutely could have died. I was in such a bad state. I [will] try to contractually bind people, if I’m going to attempt something like that.” (also noted here)

The journey to shed such a significant amount of weight is not merely a physical feat but also a psychological challenge. Hooda’s revelation sheds light on the often unseen sacrifices actors make behind the scenes to deliver compelling performances. It highlights the pressure within the film industry to undergo drastic transformations to meet the demands of their roles, underscoring the relentless pursuit of perfection.

Randeep Hooda’s extraordinary dedication serves as a testament to the lengths actors will go to immerse themselves in their characters, embodying the essence of their roles with unwavering authenticity.

Hooda’s revelation also sparks a conversation about the importance of prioritizing health and safety in pursuit of artistic excellence. While his commitment is commendable, it raises questions about the potentially harmful impact of extreme weight fluctuations on an individual’s well-being.

The film “Swatantra Veer Savarkar,” headlined by Randeep Hooda and featuring Ankita Lokhande and Amit Sial, premiered in cinemas on March 22 in both Hindi and Marathi languages.

Published by HOLR Magazine.

Image credit: @randeephooda Instagram