Ranveer Singh’s 10 Kg Transformation in 6 Weeks for Dhurandhar 2: Inside the Brutal Prep
Ranveer Singh has consistently pushed the limits of his craft, transforming himself physically and emotionally for each role he takes on. From the carefree man in Band Baaja Baaraat to the fierce warrior in Bajirao Mastani and the ruthless antagonist in Padmaavat, the actor has proved time and again that no role is too demanding. His latest performance in Dhurandhar 2 as Hamza Ali Mazari has taken his dedication to an entirely new level.
In an exclusive conversation with NDTV, Mustafa Ahmed, who played Rizwan Shah in Dhurandhar: The Revenge and served as Ranveer’s fitness coach on the film, revealed the remarkable journey behind Ranveer’s “brutal” on-screen look.
Gaining 10 Kg in Just Six Weeks
To authentically portray the formidable spy Hamza Ali Mazari, Ranveer Singh had to put on 10 kilograms in a mere six weeks. Mustafa recalled, “When he first came to the project, he was around 76–77 kg. By the time shooting began, he weighed 87–88 kg. He packed on 10 kg in six weeks.”
The transformation involved a strict diet and intense training regimen. While Mustafa’s own intake was high, Ranveer was consuming 3,600–4,000 calories daily, with 600–700 calories coming from two protein shakes. His diet included large quantities of chicken, rice, and red meat like mutton, providing around 240 grams of protein daily.
Mustafa highlighted Ranveer’s discipline: “He was eating more than I was. He was skinnier than me when he started. If you tell him to run, he runs like a machine.”
Training Like a True Artist
The intense physical prep wasn’t just about gaining weight. Ranveer’s training focused on building strength, breathing efficiency, and body control to make his character believable on screen. Mustafa explained, “He does weight training not just to look muscular, but as an actor. It helps his breathing, builds firmness, and strengthens his body. Rarely do actors train like this to serve the character, not themselves.”
On set, the dedication continued. During lunch breaks, Ranveer would sometimes continue practising weight training, ensuring that every minute contributed to his character’s presence.
Grueling 16–18 Hour Workdays
One of the most physically demanding sequences was a climactic fight scene in Kasauli, where Ranveer and Mustafa’s characters wrestle to train as elite spies. The actors worked 16–18 hours a day, balancing long shoots with rehearsals, travel, and action choreography. Mustafa described it:
“Imagine shooting for 12 hours and then going and rehearsing for that action for about 6 hours. Driving between locations and coming back, I used to feel as if I was going to pass out. But it was completely worth it.”
They had only a day to learn the choreography for the fight scene and practiced six hours daily over four days, ensuring the action sequences looked authentic and brutal on screen.
A Dedication Like No Other
Mustafa also praised Ranveer’s adaptability, referencing their previous collaborations in films like Padmaavat and Gully Boy, where he either bulked up or leaned down as required. “He knows how to read his body. He understands the demands of the role and executes with precision,” Mustafa added.
Ranveer Singh’s transformation for Dhurandhar 2 is more than just physical—it’s a testament to his commitment to his craft. From rigorous diet plans to punishing workout schedules and relentless rehearsal hours, he left no stone unturned to bring Hamza Ali Mazari to life.
Fans watching Dhurandhar 2 are witnessing the results of sheer dedication, an actor who embodies his character in every muscle and movement. As Mustafa concluded, “When you see him on screen, he looks capable enough to kill somebody. That’s the kind of impact he wanted, and he achieved it fully.”
