Bollywood actor Vivaan Shah is currently in the spotlight, receiving widespread acclaim for his powerful performance in the recently released war drama, 'Ikkis.' The film's success has sparked significant online conversation, with particular focus on Shah's dedicated and intense preparation for his demanding role.
The Drastic Physical Transformation
In a candid interview, Shah opened up about the considerable effort required to do justice to his character. He revealed that a key challenge was consciously working to appear more mature on screen. Interestingly, just before signing on for 'Ikkis,' Shah was working on a different project where he needed to look younger than his actual age. For the war epic, the requirement was the complete opposite.
"For this role, I had to consciously work on looking more mature," Shah explained. He added that part of this process involved building himself up to look more muscular, a physical demand that dictated his entire preparation regimen.
Boot Camps and Tank Training: The Rigorous Prep
The moment he accepted the role, Vivaan Shah immediately returned to a strict exercise routine, admitting he hadn't worked out consistently for nearly a year prior. He knew the part would take a significant physical toll and began training accordingly.
The actor highlighted that the specialized training conducted in Ahmednagar was a game-changer. The team underwent a basic boot camp featuring rigorous drills and physical training (PT) sessions, which Shah said helped him immensely. However, the most unforgettable aspect was the tank training.
"The tank training was especially memorable—we even got to drive the tanks ourselves," Shah shared, giving fans a glimpse into the unique and authentic preparation that went into filming the war sequences.
About the War Epic 'Ikkis'
The film 'Ikkis' is a grand war drama that brings to life the heroic story of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, one of the youngest recipients of India's highest military honour, the Param Veer Chakra. Khetarpal was honoured posthumously for his extraordinary bravery and ultimate sacrifice during the 1971 India-Pakistan war.
The narrative of 'Ikkis' is loosely based on the pivotal Battle of Basantar, where the young officer's valiant actions became a legendary chapter in Indian military history. Vivaan Shah's portrayal aims to capture the spirit and maturity of this national hero, a challenge that required the actor's complete physical and mental dedication.
