The first step to playing an intimidating gangster is looking like one. When Antim: The Final Truth came his way, Aayush Sharma knew he would have to bulk up to look the part. He turned to fellow actor-friend Tiger Shroff, who was only too happy to direct him to his trainer Rajendra Dhole.

A source reveals, “When Aayush reached out, Tiger suggested that he seek training from his trainer Rajendra Dhole. He chalked out a detailed plan, including a rigorous workout regimen and strict diet, for Aayush’s transformation.”

Sharma, fit and agile in his debut film LoveYatri (2018), weighed 60 kilos when he met Dhole in mid-2019. The target was to reach 76 kilos for the Mahesh Manjrekar-helmed actioner that would see him match Salman Khan, punch for punch.

Over the next 18 months, Sharma underwent gruelling strength training. “It was a task initially to achieve the physique that was demanded from his character. Aayush has always been fit, but he had a lean body. We had to bulk him up while giving him toned muscles and ripped abs, which requires a dedicated training routine,” says Dhole, who made him work out five days a week, with emphasis on his agility and core muscles.

Ahead of the film’s release, the makers released a behind-the-scenes video tracing the actor’s transformation. The trainer adds, “Aayush surprised me with his commitment. Even for the toughest routines, he was always ready.”