Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; October 28, 2017)

Mirror (September 19) was the first to report that Vicky Kaushal will play a commander-in-chief in Ronnie Screwvala’s upcoming production Uri, directed by debutant Aditya Dhar, which revolves around the 2016 Uri attack. The 29-year-old actor has already begun prepping for the film for which he has to gain around 10-12 kg. Rakesh Udiyar, who was behind Aamir Khan’s metamorphosis as a wrestler in Nitesh Tiwari’s Dangal, is training him.

“I have three months for prep. I have to beef up and gain lean muscle as the aim is to not only build up the size but also strength. I work out for around two hours every day. This includes functional, core and weight training. My diet is a combo of high carbs and high proteins for now,” informs Vicky, who started training with Rakesh a week before Diwali, missing out on his favourite karanjis and laddoos.

He will start his paramilitary training after a month of bodybuilding. This will entail learning about how missions are conducted and basic physical drill. There will also be a few days of technical training during which he will learn how to use the ammunition, artillery and military sign language. “This will be followed by a month-long martial arts training. The action includes hand combat and martial arts is a must for it,” the actor adds. Will he take tips from his action director father Sham Kaushal? “I take his advice on everything, not just action. For now, he just wants me to give my 100 per cent. His first film Prahaar, directed by Nana Patekar, was also a military-based action film,” Vicky signs off.