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Rajkummar Rao breaks silence on hair loss rumours, says it is his new look for Nikam: I’m not a believer of prosthetics

Rajkummar Rao addresses hairstyle speculation, clarifying his look is part of preparation for upcoming films, particularly the biopic Nikam. 

Published on: Feb 16, 2026 2:50 PM IST
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Rajkummar Rao has finally responded to the buzz online about his recently noticed hairstyle changes, clarifying that the look is not due to hair loss, but part of his intensive preparation for his next films, especially the biopic Nikam. The actor’s statement came after videos and photos of him from the Bolti Khidkiyaan Short Film Festival in Mumbai surfaced online, sparking speculation among social media users who were alarmed by his thinning hairline and different appearance, with some even worrying that he might be experiencing premature hair loss.

Rajkummar Rao cleared the air about hair loss, saying he prefers natural transformations to prosthetics for roles like in Nikam, which he aims to portray authentically.
Rajkummar Rao cleared the air about hair loss, saying he prefers natural transformations to prosthetics for roles like in Nikam, which he aims to portray authentically.

Rajkummar Rao addresses hair loss rumours with an Insta post

Critics and fans alike had taken to social media and other platforms to react to the clips from the event, where Rajkummar appeared in a simple black shirt, distressed jeans and glasses, with many expressing shock and concern over his changed look. Some users openly speculated about hair thinning or other alterations, while others tried to link the look to his upcoming role as former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly.

To clear the air, Rajkummar took to his Instagram and posted a candid message about the reasons behind his current physical transformation. He explained that his latest work involves playing roles that demanded real physical changes and that he prefers achieving these transformations naturally rather than through prosthetics.

Rajkummar wrote, "My being is through my Art. Just finished shooting for my next Biopic #NIKAM and yes, it has demanded me to change physically which I love doing. I’m not a believer in prosthetic as long as I can achieve the look through my hardwork which I’ve achieved in Nikam be it gaining weight or looking old (to play a certain age)or to make my hair thin which my hair stylist was very much against but everyone told me to not go half bald for BOSE also and to gain that much weight or to Not stop eating and lose so much weight for TRAPPED or to not behave like a visually impaired person even when cameras weren’t rolling during SRIKANTH."

"For Nikam I had to gain around 9-10 kgs and I was eating 2 pizzas and lot of sweets and my fav Aloo Parathas, Biryani and to not use anything glam to look like the part. Hopefully when you will see the film which will be releasing soon you will be able to see all that hardwork in the film. And now it’s the transition phase and time to lose these extra kgs and get ready to slip into Ganguly mode. Our very own Dada. Will always work the hardest to engage you, entertain you through my work. Much Love," he concluded.

About Nikam and Sourav Ganguly biopic

The Nikam biopic focuses on the life and work of renowned public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam, who has led several high-profile cases in India. The film, produced by Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films and directed by Avinash Arun, began filming in late 2025 and is expected to be released later in 2026, featuring Wamiqa Gabbi as the female lead. It will explore Nikam’s most significant courtroom battles, including the 1993 Bombay blasts and the 2008 Mumbai train attacks.

Rajkummar is also prepping for the Sourav Ganguly biopic directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, where the actor will portray the iconic cricketer. That film is expected to begin shooting in early 2026, with a targeted December 2026 release.

  • Ritika Kumar
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    Ritika Kumar

    Ritika Kumar is a seasoned journalist with over 15 years of experience, having written for newspapers, magazines, and online platforms, catering to a diverse range of audiences. Over the years, she has covered general news, lifestyle, and entertainment, building a reputation for sharp observation, compelling storytelling, and an ability to connect with readers across multiple formats. She holds a graduation degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University and a postgraduate diploma from the Indian Institute of Journalism and New Media, Bangalore. Before joining Hindustan Times, Ritika worked with prominent media organizations including The Times of India, Press Trust of India, NDTV, and the Malayala Manorama Group. These roles allowed her to refine her skills across various beats, mastering the nuances of different formats and tailoring her writing to readers of newspapers, magazines, and digital platforms alike. Beyond journalism, Ritika is deeply passionate about poetry, drawing inspiration from voices ranging from Faiz Ahmed Faiz to T.S. Eliot. She is also a keen cinephile, enjoying discussions about cinematography, acting, and the subtle layers of storytelling on screen. A lover of travel and the outdoors, Ritika often finds inspiration in nature, where she reflects on life’s rhythms. When not working, she can be found soaking in the serene glow of sunsets and reflecting on the intricate workings of the human heartRead More

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