In the world of cinema, actors often go to extraordinary lengths to bring their characters to life, sometimes undergoing remarkable physical transformations that leave audiences in awe. Here, we spotlight nine Bollywood actors who undertook unrecognizable transformations for their roles, proving their dedication and versatility.
Amitabh Bachchan – Paa
Amitabh Bachchan truly merits all the praise and awards for his portrayal of Auro in Paa. With a distinct voice, appearance, and body language, Auro is a character that will undeniably stand out in Big B’s filmography for its delightful uniqueness and charming childishness. The prosthetic makeup is remarkably authentic, completely transforming Amitabh Bachchan into Auro and giving him an entirely new identity.
Kamal Haasan – Indian 2
Kamal Haasan is a legend known for his versatility and dedication, and his transformation for Indian 2 is another feather in his cap. Reprising his role as the vigilante Senapathy, Kamal underwent a dramatic physical transformation, utilizing advanced prosthetics and makeup techniques to age convincingly. The transformation required meticulous attention to detail, from facial features to body language, ensuring that the character remained consistent with his previous portrayal while also reflecting the passage of time. Kamal’s commitment to the role once again highlighted his unparalleled prowess as an actor.
Sharvari Wagh – Munjya
Sharvari Wagh, who made a sensational debut in Bunty Aur Babli 2, has undergone a remarkable transformation for her latest role in the comedy horror film Munjya. The Munjya that you see in the film is a complete CGI character but when Sharvari get possessed by Munjya, the whole idea was to keep the growls real, keep the face real, and keep the dialogues in tandem with how the Munjya speaks. This transformation, which took a staggering five hours each time, showcases Sharvari’s dedication and versatility as an actress.
Parul Gulati – Silence 2
Parul Gulati’s transformation for Silence 2 is truly remarkable. Typically known for her glamorous and vibrant persona, Parul adopted a drastically different look to play a bearded man with long hair as a serial killer. She completely shed her familiar image and embraced a minimalist, somber appearance, undergoing hours of makeup and prosthetics to achieve the character’s gaunt look. Her performance received high praise for its authenticity and depth, making her transformation one of the most discussed in recent times.
Gulshan Devaiah – Ghost Stories
Gulshan Devaiah is no stranger to challenging roles, but his transformation as Alpha for Ghost Stories on Netflix was particularly notable. Playing such a beast like character in the horror anthology, Gulshan’s look was drastically altered with the help of special effects makeup and prosthetics. His usual charming appearance was replaced with a haunting visage that added a chilling layer to his performance. The transformation was so effective that it left viewers stunned and added to the overall creepiness of the segment.
Rajkummar Rao – Raabta
Rajkummar Rao is well-known for his method acting, and his transformation for the film Raabta was a testament to his dedication. To portray a 324-year-old man, Rajkummar underwent extensive makeup sessions that sometimes lasted over five hours. The process involved heavy prosthetics to age him convincingly, making him completely unrecognizable. His performance, enhanced by this remarkable transformation, added depth to the storyline and was highly praised by critics and audiences alike.
Akshay Kumar – Robot 2.0
Akshay Kumar’s role in Robot 2.0 saw him take on one of the most visually striking transformations in Bollywood history. Playing the antagonist, Dr. Richard, who transforms into a powerful and menacing bird-like creature, Akshay spent hours in the makeup chair for the elaborate prosthetics and special effects makeup. The transformation was not just physical but also demanded a change in body language and demeanor, making his portrayal of the character both terrifying and memorable. The high-tech look, combined with Akshay’s commitment, set a new benchmark for on-screen transformations in Indian cinema.
Lara Dutta – Bell Bottom
Lara Dutta’s transformation in Bell Bottom left audiences and critics in disbelief. Portraying the role of former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, Lara underwent a complete physical overhaul. The transformation involved detailed prosthetics, makeup, and hairstyling to accurately capture the iconic look of Indira Gandhi. The result was so convincing that it took many by surprise, earning Lara widespread acclaim for her dedication to the role. Her performance, bolstered by the remarkable transformation, added an extra layer of authenticity to the film.
Sobhita Dhulipala – Ghost Stories 2
Sobhita Dhulipala, renowned for her versatile acting prowess, delivers a riveting performance as Neha, a delusional pregnant woman, in the anthology series Ghost Stories 2 directed by Anurag Kashyap. The intensity of her performance has been praised for its depth and authenticity, making Neha one of the most memorable characters in the genre. One of the standout moments in Ghost Stories 2 is Sobhita’s transformation into a raven, achieved through masterful prosthetics. This unrecognizable and eerie look has left viewers with chills, showcasing the dedication and commitment of both the actress and the production team.
The haunting imagery and Sobhita’s exceptional performance combine to create an unforgettable cinematic experience.
