After sporting short hair for Rajkumar Gupta’s investigative thriller India’s Most Wanted, actor Arjun Kapoor has now shaved off his head for his forthcoming historical drama Panipat: The Great Betrayal. Apart from his head, the actor has also shaved his facial hair for the much-awaited flick.
Panipat, which is based on the famous battle of Panipat fought between a northern expeditionary force of the Maratha Empire and invading forces of the King of Afghanistan, Ahmad Shah Abdali, supported by two Indian allies, is being helmed by eminent filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker.
Arjun, most recently seen in Namaste England (2018), has been roped in to play Peshwa Sadashiv Rao Bhau, while Kriti Sanon has been added to the cast to essay the role of Parvati Bai, his second wife. Besides them, Sanjay Dutt and Mohnish Bahl also play pivotal parts.
If a source close to the development is to be believed, the mega-budgeted project starts rolling at ND Studio in Karjat, where art director Nitin Desai has erected a colossal set of Shanivar Wada (of Pune), on 23rd December.
“Arjun will join the unit two days later and not just him, all the actors playing Peshwas in the film have gone bald too. Today, it’s common for actors to wear a bald patch or resort to prosthetics when a role requires them to sport a shaved pate. However, Ashutosh is a perfectionist who doesn’t want lines to show up in high definition frames and rob the film of its authenticity. Arjun too is a meticulous actor who will go the distance for a character and didn’t think twice to sacrifice his hair for the project rather than appear fake on screen,” informs the source.
Panipat: The Great Betrayal is being produced by Ashutosh Gowariker’s wife Sunita Gowariker and London-based pharma magnate Rohit Shelatkar.
The movie is set to hit screens on 6th December, 2019.
R Madhavan shares his experience portraying a father’s role for the first time alongside Ajay Devgn.
Actor addresses rumours about de-ageing technology, confirming he relied on diet and fitness instead.
Madhavan reflects on sequels and preparation for previous physically demanding roles like Saala Khadoos.
Nervous about a father’s role
At the trailer launch of De De Pyaar De 2, R Madhavan admitted he was initially nervous about playing Ajay Devgn’s on-screen father-in-law.
“I have never done a father’s role before, and competing with Ajay, I was very nervous,” Madhavan said. “I have seen other actors who are so busy when they come to the set, but Ajay sir is always present and dedicated. We have always felt connected.”
The actor also commented on the appeal of sequels. Devgn, who stars alongside Madhavan, stated, “I don’t mind sequels as long as there is a good script. I hope the film is liked by audiences. We all believe we have made a good film.”
Madhavan addressed recent rumours about de-ageing technology in his films, stating, “They’ve all been accusing me of de-ageing, but I don’t think I have the budget for that. It hasn’t happened.”
Instead, the actor relies on traditional methods of preparation, including fitness and diet adjustments, to meet the physical demands of roles.
Reflections on past roles
Madhavan reflected on the preparation for his earlier role in Saala Khadoos, a physically demanding sports drama. “When I went to train for Saala Khadoos, I consulted numerous dieticians and several people who advised me on how to lose weight and get fit, what diet to follow, what time to eat, and so on, but I couldn’t find anyone I truly resonated with,” he said.
The actor’s candid reflections reveal a focus on dedication and personal preparation rather than technological shortcuts, highlighting his commitment to authentic performances.
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