Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; October 3, 2017)

Huma Qureshi, who plays Rajinikanth’s love interest in Pa Ranjith’s Kaala Karikaalan, joined the team on the ongoing Chennai schedule recently with her trainer, who is one of celebrity fitness expert Yasmin Karachiwala’s assistants, in tow. The actress has been shooting in 12-15 hour shifts in the Tamil gangster-thriller predominantly night schedule.

The 31-year-old actress has been maintaining a strict diet and high-intensity weight-training regime for the last couple of months for her upcoming screen turn.

The Dhanush production, also featuring Anjali Patil and Pankaj Tripathi, kicked off in Mumbai in May even as the unit continued to film through heavy rains. The film features the city’s slums as a backdrop. A set resembling Mumbai has been erected in Chennai for the remaining portions.

“Since we’ve been shooting rigorously during nights, I hit the gym as soon as I wake up, which is around noon. I have come to believe that fitness is just about making time for yourself every day no matter what and I have made it my goal to not resort to excuses,” Huma told Mirror before heading to the sets.

“I love the rush of happy hormones. Makes me ready to take on the day,” she says on the effect of fitness regime.