Huma Qureshi’s transformation into Rajkummar Rao

Huma Qureshi labels Rajkummar Rao a committed actor following his 10kg weight gain.

Huma Qureshi’s transformation

Is a picture truly worth a thousand words, or is it just a snapshot of a grueling, invisible process? When an image of Rajkummar Rao appearing significantly heavier began circulating, the internet did what it does best: it speculated.

But while the public saw “weight gain,” his colleague and friend Huma Qureshi saw something entirely different. She saw the price of a masterpiece.

The Chameleon’s Burden 

Rajkummar Rao has never been an actor to do things by halves. To portray the formidable prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam, Rao didn’t just study law books; he reshaped his biology. 

Gaining nearly 10 kilograms and thinning his hair, the actor committed to a visual authenticity that many would find vanity-breaking.

What makes this feat even more staggering is the timing. While deep in the “Nikam” look, Rao was simultaneously undergoing look tests for his portrayal of “Dada”—the legendary Sourav Ganguly.

To move from the sedentary, heavy-set frame of a legal titan to the lithe, athletic posture of a world-class cricketer is a feat of physical engineering that Huma Qureshi rightly described as the work of “one of the most committed actors of our times.”

The Biopic Trap 

In modern cinema, the “look” has become as important as the “lines.” We are living in an era where audiences demand a mirror image of their heroes. For Rao, this means his body has become a temporary canvas.

• Visual Mimicry: By thinning his hair and adding weight, he bypasses the audience’s disbelief within the first five seconds of the film.
• The Metabolic Pivot: The true challenge isn’t just getting heavy for the Nikam biopic; it’s the impending “shed” required to play Ganguly. This constant fluctuation is what separates the performers from the icons.

The “Ugly” Phase is a Win 

The public often reacts with concern or mockery when an actor looks “out of shape” in transition. This is the most misunderstood part of the craft.

• Gaining weight for a role is harder than losing it. It requires a loss of agility and a shift in how one carries themselves—details Rao is clearly mastering.
• Consistency is the enemy of versatility. If an actor always looks “perfect,” they are likely playing themselves. Rao’s willingness to look “unfit” is his greatest professional asset.

Huma and the “Toxic” Future 

While she champions Rao’s commitment, Qureshi is carving her own path through high-stakes narratives. Having recently wrapped Maharani 4 and the gritty Delhi Crime Season 3, she is now part of one of 2026’s most anticipated projects: Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups.

This isn’t just another crime drama. Set in the drug-fueled underbelly of 1980s Goa and directed by Geetu Mohandas, the film features:

• A Hollywood-level pedigree, with action sequences choreographed by John Wick’s JJ Perry.
• A multilingual reach, being shot simultaneously in English and Kannada.
• A release date set for March 19, aimed at capturing a massive global audience across multiple holidays.

The Verdict 

Whether it’s Rajkummar Rao sacrificing his hairline for a biopic or Huma Qureshi diving into the 1980s Goan cartels, the bar for Indian cinema has been raised.

Commitment isn’t just about showing up; it’s about the 10 kilograms, the thinned hair, and the refusal to be anything less than the character.

Key Takeaways

• Rajkummar Rao gained 10kg to accurately portray Ujjwal Nikam.
• Huma Qureshi hailed his dedication while preparing for her own massive role in Toxic.
• Toxic is a 1980s crime epic featuring a collaboration between Indian and Hollywood action directors.