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Randeep Hooda : has sparked fresh curiosity among film watchers after appearing in Mumbai with a markedly altered appearance. The actor was recently seen sporting a thick moustache and a visibly more muscular frame, a look that has quickly drawn attention and set off speculation about his next on-screen transformation.

Period Biopic Drives Physical Transformation

Industry sources indicate that Hooda’s new appearance is part of his preparation for Eetha, an upcoming period biographical drama currently in production. The actor was spotted late at night following a shoot in Mumbai, maintaining the same rugged look that is now being closely associated with the film. While there has been no formal announcement from the makers, the physical change aligns with the demands of a historically rooted narrative.

Filming Underway with Shraddha Kapoor

Eetha stars Randeep Hooda alongside Shraddha Kapoor, with filming reportedly underway across several locations in Maharashtra. The project has generated quiet interest within industry circles due to its subject matter and casting, even as details about character arcs and timelines remain under wraps. The ongoing shoot in Mumbai suggests that the film is moving steadily through its production schedule.

Director’s Vision Anchored in Cultural History

The film is being directed by Laxman Utekar, known for blending grounded storytelling with strong visual settings. Eetha is said to explore the life of one of India’s earliest Tamasha and Lavni dancers, a figure rooted deeply in Maharashtra’s cultural history. The narrative is expected to focus on performance traditions, social dynamics, and personal resilience, offering audiences a look into a lesser-explored chapter of Indian performing arts.

Look Reflects the Film’s Era and Tone

Although the production team has yet to officially confirm Hooda’s character details, his moustached and bulked-up appearance appears consistent with the period setting of the film. Observers note that such transformations have long been a hallmark of the actor’s approach to roles, particularly in biographical and historically inspired projects that demand physical authenticity.

Personal Milestone for the Actor

Away from film sets, Randeep Hooda is also entering a significant new chapter in his personal life. He and his wife, actor and model Lin Laishram, recently announced that they are expecting their first child. The couple shared the news through a joint social media post on November 29, marking the occasion with a lighthearted message that reflected their excitement about the growing family.

Journey from Theatre to Marriage

Hooda and Laishram’s relationship traces back to their early association at veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah’s theatre group, Motley. Over time, their friendship evolved into a romantic partnership. During the pandemic lockdown, the couple chose to live together, later making their relationship public in 2022. They were married on November 29, 2023, in a traditional Meitei ceremony held in Manipur, honoring Laishram’s cultural roots.

Another Major Project on the Horizon

In addition to Eetha, Hooda is also preparing for a role in the large-scale war drama Operation Khukri. The film is based on the book Operation Khukri: The Untold Story of the Indian Army’s Bravest Peacekeeping Mission Abroad, authored by Major General Rajpal Punia and Damini Punia. Hooda has secured the official screen rights to the book, underscoring his involvement in shaping the project.

Revisiting a High-Risk Military Mission

Operation Khukri will depict real-life events from the year 2000, when 233 Indian soldiers were taken hostage by rebel forces in Sierra Leone, West Africa. The story follows the tense standoff and the eventual rescue mission carried out under challenging jungle warfare conditions. Hooda is set to portray Major General Rajpal Punia, then a young company commander, highlighting leadership under pressure during one of India’s most complex overseas peacekeeping operations.