To convincingly portray an Army officer in his upcoming web series, Amit Sadh on how he bulked up in three months
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; December 5, 2018)

His successful web outing Breathe behind him, Amit Sadh is now hard at work for Applause entertainment’s drama, India Strikes - 10 Days, which is based on the 2016 Uri attacks. Apart from getting into the mindspace of the character, the actor had to bulk up to slip into the role of Major Mike Tango, the mission leader of the Indian Army’s Special Forces team that conducted surgical strikes on terrorist camps along the LoC. “It was a conscious decision to show the physicality that Special Force officers have,” begins Sadh. Training rigorously under the guidance of Rakesh Udiyar — the man who helped Aamir Khan pile on the kilos for Dangal — the actor recounts how he went from a lean 72 kilos to 90 kilos for the Raj Acharya-directed drama. The key, he says, was to stick to his regimen of body weight training and cardio. “Over a period of three months, I would do fasted cardio — which is essentially working out on an empty stomach — every morning, and then work on my abs. Post that, I used to go back home, have two meals and then return for another round of cardio and weight training,” says Sadh, adding that kick-boxing too featured prominently in his routine. His dietary modifications implied that he had to cut down on sugar entirely.

Sadh says the demanding workout regimen, coupled with the dietary changes, often took a toll on him mentally. “There were days when I would be snappy when a workout session was not to my liking. I went through mood swings; there were days when I went back home wondering if all my efforts were worth it. But I channelled it in a positive way, I went to my next gym session and worked harder.” 

MUMBAI MIRROR (August 23, 2018)

Applause Entertainment, the content studio from the Aditya Birla Group headed by Sameer Nair, is set to bring a gritty, realistic and dramatic recounting of the recent Uri terror attacks onto the web.They announced India Strikes -10 Days, a multi-season web series with talented cast and show runner Samar Khan of Irada Entertainment. Now, the studio has announced that Amit Sadh will feature as the lead actor in this much-awaited series.

Being a versatile actor, Amit has made an impact with his performances in films like Gold, Sultan and Kai Po Che, and the web series Breathe. This series is based on the first chapter from Shiv Aroor and Rahul Singh’s book India’s Most Fearless.

The incident is fresh in the mind of every Indian — Pakistani militants had attacked the Indian Army brigade in Uri, Kashmir on September 18, 2016. Making a marked departure from diplomacy and protest, the Indian government gave a clear message to its neighbouring state. Displaying a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism and unprovoked violence, Indian Armed Forces selectively retaliated by attacking terrorist camps across the Line of Control.

The series is being directed by Raj Acharya, who has previously directed the show The Battle Of Saragarhi and was also the assistant director for Talaash. Meanwhile, Harmanjit Singha, Sudeep Nigam, Abhishek Chaterjee and Aadhar Khurana have scripted this ten-part thriller.

Commenting on the announcement, Sameer Nair, CEO, Applause Entertainment, said, “Amit and I go back a long way, as he made his TV debut. He is a focused and passionate performer who brings heft and experience to a part. Applause Entertainment is focused on creating a niche of qualitative and engaging fiction drama series on the web that connects with the Indian digital viewing appetite. India Strikes - 10 Days highlights the role of our security forces in protecting our country and people.”

Amit added, “I am excited to get associated with Applause Entertainment on a thrilling series based on a real mission which is one of the most challenging roles I have done so far. My character offers scope to display a fresh side of me as an actor. Major Tango is someone who has many shades to him — bravery, a host of emotions, and everything in between.”

Samar added, “India Strikes - 10 Days brings together an experienced and passionate team focused on creating a series that captures a powerful moment which will get audiences involved. I look forward to delivering this series and filming this powerful story.”

Raj said, “I found the mission and its treatment by our writers very compelling. I look forward to developing and shooting this series. We want to tell our audiences this true story through an intense narrative and transport them into a world of drama and emotions.”

India Strikes - 10 Days begins filming soon in Mumbai and Kashmir, and the show is expected to stream early next year. Applause Entertainment has an exciting line up of upcoming shows including Taj — A Monument of Blood with Contiloe Pictures, Hasmukh with Ranvir Shorey, Vir Das and Nikkhil Advani, The Scam with Hansal Mehta, Criminal Justice and The Office, City of Dreams with Nagesh Kukunoor, and has over 20 premium shows lined up for the year.