In preparation for his upcoming film Aadujeevitham, actor Prithviraj Sukumaran underwent a gruelling physical transformation, which included enduring extended periods of fasting.
In a recent interview with the Hindustan Times, Prithviraj opened up about the toll this process took on his body, disclosing that he fasted for up to 72 hours at a stretch.
"The idea was that I looked like somebody who does not have access to enough food, and was starving most of the time," Prithviraj explained.
He added, "The only way I could do that is to actually adopt that process, which means that my transformation was almost entirely based on fasting. At times, I used to fast for up to 72 hours. I would drink water and black coffee, but nothing else."
The actor emphasised that the challenge extended beyond the physical realm, impacting him mentally as well. "Humans are equipped to do two to three days of fasting. When you wake up the second day, your mind is telling you to just eat. And that is when the real challenge kicks in," he said.
Prithviraj's commitment to his role reflects the intensity of the film's narrative, which follows the journey of a young Kerala worker who becomes enslaved in the Middle East, forced to labor as a shepherd in the desert. Over the past decade, Prithviraj has dedicated himself to the project, undergoing extreme physical labour to authentically portray the character.
This rigorous approach to roles is not unique to Prithviraj.
Several actors across the Indian subcontinent, such as Randeep Hooda and Fawad Khan, have also subjected themselves to drastic physical transformations for their respective roles.
However, these transformations come with significant risks, as Hooda and Khan have attested.
In an interview with India Today, Hooda cautioned against the dangers of rapid weight loss, highlighting the physical toll it took on his body during an extended filming schedule. Similarly, Khan revealed the adverse effects of his drastic weight loss, including hospitalisation due to kidney issues, in an interview with Something Haute.
These accounts serve as a stark reminder of the sacrifices actors often make in pursuit of their craft and underscore the importance of prioritising health amidst the demands of the industry.
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