Mustafa Ahmed Reveals How He Gained 6 Kg and Lost 8 Kg to Perfect Rizwan in Dhurandhar 2
In an exclusive conversation with NDTV, actor and fitness specialist Mustafa Ahmed opened up about the extreme physical transformation he underwent to portray Rizwan Shah in Dhurandhar: The Revenge, showcasing both his dedication to the craft and his close collaboration with co-stars and the film’s director.
One of the most striking sequences in the film sees Hamza Ali Mazari (Ranveer Singh) and Rizwan Shah (Mustafa Ahmed) navigating a tense madrasa scene, where their characters’ synergy is built on silent communication and trust. Mustafa revealed, “There were many scenes where we were just looking at each other. It wasn’t instructed; the credit goes to Ranveer, who during rehearsals said, ‘We will just look at each other here.’ We practiced it so much it became almost telepathic.”
The bond between Mustafa and Ranveer traces back several years, beginning during Padmaavat (2018), when Mustafa helped train Ranveer for the role of Sultan Alauddin Khilji. Similarly, Mustafa’s long-standing relationship with director Aditya Dhar, dating back to their Delhi roots, made the audition for Rizwan Shah a natural fit. Aditya Dhar told Mustafa, “Don’t act. Observe what a person like you would do,” emphasizing realism over dramatics.
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The Weight Transformation
To convincingly embody Rizwan, Mustafa had to undergo a significant physical transformation. Initially weighing around 80–81 kg, he bulked up to 85–86 kg for the film. “To put on weight along with training, you also have to eat a lot,” he explained. Consuming 3,000–3,500 calories daily, Mustafa focused on building a functional physique capable of performing combat sequences and action stunts while remaining agile. His training included barbell and dumbbell workouts, bodyweight exercises, and even weapon-handling sessions with soldiers.
Towards the film’s conclusion, Rizwan is shown training as a cadet alongside other characters. Mustafa needed to lose weight to fit this part, dropping from 86 kg to 78 kg — the lightest he had been in over two decades. “It wasn’t easy. I had to lose weight but still look fit, young, and strong. I ran 7–10 km every other day and consumed between 80–120 grams of protein daily,” he said. Over a week, this regimen had him running 30–40 km, balancing weight loss with muscular definition.
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A Performance Rooted in Observation
Mustafa emphasized that Rizwan’s strength on screen came not just from muscle but from constant vigilance. “I am a bodyguard. I am a spy. I walked into the room and observed. I am constantly looking around,” he said. The actor’s attention to detail in posture, gaze, and interaction brought a nuanced authenticity to Rizwan’s character, proving that acting and physical preparation were inseparable.
Released on March 19, 2026, Dhurandhar: The Revenge has been performing strongly at the box office, with critics praising the chemistry between Ranveer Singh and Mustafa Ahmed, as well as the film’s intense action sequences and gripping narrative. Mustafa’s extreme dedication to transforming both physically and mentally for the role has left an indelible mark, making Rizwan Shah a character fans won’t soon forget.
