Some actors play characters, while others completely surrender themselves to the role. Randeep Hooda is one such artist. For various roles, he has frequently undergone drastic physical transformations, acquired new skills, and deeply internalized the mannerisms, speech patterns, body language, and mindset of real-life figures. He approaches cinema with meticulous attention to detail. This is why he is counted among those in the industry capable of completely transforming themselves for every role. On his birthday, let us look at seven of his memorable performances that prove Randeep Hooda is truly a master at fully immersing himself in his characters.
- Sarbjit – When the transformation became the character
Randeep Hooda’s portrayal of Sarbjit Singh in Omung Kumar’s film Sarbjit involved one of his most astonishing physical and emotional transformations. Since the character had to spend years in prison, Randeep needed to look like a man whose body had been shattered by prolonged captivity and torture. Due to changes in the shooting schedule, he had only about a month to achieve this transformation. He lost 18 kg in just 28 days, shifting from a robust 94 kg physique to a frail, emaciated frame. However, his transformation went beyond mere weight loss; he also mentally immersed himself in the character’s world. He studied the body language and physical nuances of someone living a life of long-term imprisonment and isolation. He later admitted that the experience was mentally and physically grueling, yet he acknowledged that the suffering he endured was merely a fraction of the unbearable struggle Sarbjit actually faced. - Swatantrya Veer Savarkar – When the actor became the director
With Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, Randeep Hooda took his dedication to his craft to a whole new level. He not only portrayed the character of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar but also directed the film and took on the responsibilities of producer and co-writer. He lost approximately 26 kilograms for this role. Due to the prolonged shooting schedule, he had to maintain this reduced weight for several months. During this period, he was also recovering from knee surgery, and his weight had dropped to around 62 kilograms. Randeep later clarified that reports claiming he survived solely on dates and a glass of milk were inaccurate, and emphasized that such extreme diets should not be adopted without medical advice. He noted that this prolonged transformation impacted his recovery, joints, and digestion. During this time, he also experienced fainting spells and a fall from a horse. His dedication went beyond just physical transformation; he conducted in-depth research into Savarkar’s life and personality, remaining fully committed to the character throughout the film’s long production journey. - Extraction – Taking Indian Action to the Global Stage
In the Netflix film Extraction, Randeep played the role of Saju Raoh, a former Indian Special Forces officer and a father caught in a complex situation. Working alongside Chris Hemsworth, Randeep had to prepare himself to meet the physical demands of a large-scale Hollywood action film. He underwent rigorous training for the role and built a strong physique. Randeep did not portray Saju merely as a stereotypical Indian character; instead, he viewed the role as an opportunity to present an Indian action hero on the international stage. His action style was grounded yet impactful. The hand-to-hand combat sequences he performed with Hemsworth were a particular highlight of the film. - Main Aur Charles – Understanding Charles Sobhraj from Within
Portraying Charles Sobhraj in Prawaal Raman’s Main Aur Charles involved more than just a physical transformation for Randeep; he also had to understand Sobhraj’s mindset, charisma, voice, and mannerisms. Randeep watched interviews with Sobhraj and meticulously studied his body language, speech patterns, and behavior. He also worked extensively on the character’s Indo-French accent and pronunciation. According to reports from that time, he trained with an expert for several months and practiced the accent even when not filming.
He even worked on nuances like Sobhraj’s laugh, noting that he had to alter his natural way of laughing for the role. His preparation was so intense that the French accent eventually had to be toned down, as it had become too pronounced for Indian audiences.
- Do Lafzon Ki Kahani – Transforming into a fighter from scratch
Before appearing extremely lean in Sarbjit, Randeep Hooda underwent a completely opposite physical transformation for Do Lafzon Ki Kahani. To play the role of a mixed martial arts fighter, he built significant muscle and strength. His preparation involved about four hours of daily training—two hours of mixed martial arts in the morning and two hours of bodybuilding in the evening. He admitted that the process was incredibly grueling. A notable aspect of this transformation was that he shot for Do Lafzon Ki Kahani before Sarbjit; this meant he first had to gain weight and muscle, and subsequently undergo a rapid transformation to shed a significant amount of weight. According to Randeep, building muscle for Do Lafzon Ki Kahani was, in many ways, even more difficult than losing weight for Sarbjit. Within the span of just one year, he had to both gain and lose approximately 30 kilograms. - Rang Rasiya – Becoming an artist to portray an artist
In Ketan Mehta’s Rang Rasiya, Randeep Hooda…
