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Randeep Hooda –  Randeep Hooda has once again drawn attention for his disciplined approach to acting after sharing a mirror selfie that highlights a noticeably heavier and more muscular frame. The image, posted ahead of his next film, signals a demanding physical preparation phase as the actor readies himself for a challenging role in the period drama Eetha.

Commitment to Character Preparation

People associated with the project say Hooda’s dedication to transforming himself for a role is nothing new. According to a source familiar with the production, the actor treats physical preparation as an essential part of storytelling. Whenever a character requires a distinct body type or appearance, Hooda reportedly commits fully to the process, adjusting his routine until he meets the demands of the role. For Eetha, his current focus has been on building strength and adding bulk to suit the historical setting of the film.

A New Look Takes Shape

Late in January, reports also surfaced about Hooda adopting a striking new appearance for the same project. Photographs circulating online showed him sporting a thick moustache, reinforcing speculation that the film would feature a period-specific aesthetic. The change in look aligns with the actor’s ongoing fitness regimen, both of which are aimed at ensuring authenticity in his portrayal.

About the Film Eetha

Eetha, which is presently under production, pairs Hooda opposite Shraddha Kapoor. Sources indicate that filming has taken place across multiple locations in Maharashtra, chosen to reflect the cultural and historical backdrop of the narrative. The project is being directed by Laxman Utekar and is described as a period biographical drama rooted in regional performance traditions.

Story Inspired by Cultural History

The film is said to be based on the life of one of India’s earliest Tamasha and Lavni dancers, offering a window into an art form that has played a significant role in Maharashtra’s cultural heritage. By focusing on this story, the makers aim to present a narrative that is both historically grounded and emotionally resonant, bringing lesser-known cultural histories to a wider audience.

Personal Milestone for the Actor

Away from the film sets, Hooda is also experiencing a major personal chapter. He and his wife, Lin Laishram, recently announced that they are expecting their first child. The couple shared the news on social media in late November, marking the occasion with a joint post that reflected their excitement about the new addition to their family.

From Theatre to Marriage

Hooda and Laishram’s relationship traces back to their time at veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah’s theatre group Motley. Their bond strengthened over the years, and they began living together during the nationwide lockdown. After making their relationship public in 2022, the couple married on November 29, 2023, in a traditional Meitei ceremony held in Manipur.

Another Major Project on the Horizon

In addition to Eetha, Hooda is preparing for another ambitious venture titled Operation Khukri. The actor has secured the official screen rights to the book Operation Khukri: The Untold Story of the Indian Army’s Bravest Peacekeeping Mission Abroad by Major General Rajpal Punia and Damini Punia. The film will depict real-life events from 2000, when Indian peacekeeping soldiers were taken hostage in Sierra Leone and later rescued in a high-risk military operation.

Portraying a Real-Life Military Hero

In the war drama, Hooda will portray Major General Rajpal Punia during his tenure as a young company commander with the 14th Mechanised Infantry. The role will require him to capture both the strategic tension of negotiations and the intensity of jungle warfare conditions during the rescue mission. With multiple demanding projects underway, the actor’s recent transformation underscores a career phase marked by physical rigor and diverse storytelling.