Rajkummar Rao, who lost seven kilos to play a poverty-stricken migrant in Hansal Mehta’s Citylights is working hard to gain 12 kilos for Ramesh Sippy’s next. The actor is halfway there but as the deadline nears, he still has some way to go.

The actor told Mirror, “Yes, I was asked to put on weight after playing an emaciated security guard in Citylights. I have put on six kilos and need to gain another six. But I am confident I will meet the deadline.” 

Interestingly, the film is about a mother-daughter (played by Hema Malini and Rakul Preet Singh) duo, who fall in love with the same man (Rajkummar).

Says a source, “He plays a man who charms Hema’s character and then her daughter. The role demanded
that he look buff, not skeletal.”

Rajkummar’s daily regime includes 90 minutes at a Lokhandwala gym paired with a protein heavy diet. “He has to build muscle and hence his diet is protein intense with a small amount of carbohydrates. He has hired a special trainer as well,” adds the source.

The actor meanwhile is excited about sharing screen space with the Dream Girl. “Hema ji is so beautiful. It’s a dream to work with her,” says the actor.