Inspired by the life of famous Indian wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat, the film showcases his journey and his bond with his daughters Geeta and Babita Phogat.
As Dangal completes seven years of release on December 23, we delve into the awe-inspiring physical metamorphosis that Aamir Khan underwent to portray the real-life character of Mahavir Singh Phogat, a popular Indian wrestler.
For the unversed, in the film, Khan portrayed two distinct phases of Mahavir Singh Phogat’s life — the seasoned 60-year-old wrestler and the vigorous 20-year-old version. What ensued was not just a transformation but a physical crusade that showcased Khan’s unwavering commitment to authenticity.
To embody the older Phogat, Khan embarked on a journey of deliberate weight gain. He gained a staggering 30 kilograms, reaching a weight of 98 kilograms. Scenes where Khan sported a protruding belly, constituting 80 percent of the movie, were shot first. Remarkably, Khan chose to forego the use of a body suit, opting instead to organically manifest the physical attributes of the character.
The real challenge lay in the subsequent weight loss phase, where Khan shed the acquired weight to convincingly portray the younger Phogat. Starting at 98 kilograms with a body fat percentage of 37, Khan meticulously engaged in a four-month-long regimen that saw his body fat drop to 18.15 percent. The Herculean effort didn’t stop there; the transformation continued until Khan achieved a staggering 9.6 percent body fat.
In his own words, Aamir Khan back in the day recounted the grueling process, stating, I was in Arizona, USA for the weight loss program. I went to this place to get the start right. The period was very challenging and exciting for me. His commitment to the craft extended to a punishing daily routine that included a stringent diet of 1500 calories — far below his body’s requirement — combined with an exhaustive exercise schedule. The actor’s day in Arizona comprised trekking for hours, weight training, cardio exercises in the pool, cycling, tennis, and extensive walking. A testament to his dedication, Khan’s daily routine clocked an astonishing 7-8 hours of rigorous exercise.
Aamir Khan’s physical transformation for the film showcased his willingness to go to extraordinary lengths to breathe life into his characters. Dangal also featured Fatima Sana Shaikh and Sanya Malhotra in lead roles along with an ensemble cast.
As Dangal completes seven years, a special video has been released by the producers, revisiting Aamir Khan’s Herculean transformation. The video pays homage to the actor’s dedication and hard work, highlighting his commitment to authenticity in portraying Mahavir Singh Phogat. Fans and film enthusiasts can now relive the awe-inspiring journey of Aamir Khan, witnessing his remarkable physical transformation onscreen.
Dangal, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, garnered critical acclaim and numerous accolades upon its release. It became one of the highest-grossing Indian films of all time, earning widespread praise for its powerful storytelling and brilliant performances.
The film’s success not only cemented Aamir Khan’s reputation as a versatile method actor but also shed light on the incredible story of Mahavir Singh Phogat and his daughters, who challenged societal norms and achieved remarkable success in the world of wrestling.
As we celebrate the seventh anniversary of Dangal, it serves as a reminder of the impact a film can have, resonating with audiences long after its release. Aamir Khan’s dedication to his craft and the stunning physical transformation he underwent for this role will continue to inspire actors and moviegoers alike.
Dangal remains a testament to the power of cinema in portraying real-life stories with authenticity and nuance, reminding us of the indomitable spirit of the human experience.
Sources:
– https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/dangal-completes-seven-years-producers-revisit-aamir-khans-herculean-transformation-special-video/
– https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/aamir-khan-reveals-he-went-arizona-4-months-lose-dangal-weight-details-training-did/