In a recent podcast with Mr Siddharth Kannan, acclaimed producer and director Siddharth Kumar Tewary shared behind-the-scenes insights into casting Shaheer Sheikh for the role of Arjun in the epic TV series Mahabharat.
Tewary revealed how Shaheer’s selection was initially met with scepticism due to his slender physique, but his unwavering dedication and transformation impressed everyone.
A Risky Choice Turned Right
Tewary explained that when casting for the iconic role of Arjun, many industry insiders thought Shaheer was a risky choice. Known for his boy-next-door image in the popular show Navya, Shaheer’s slender frame was seen as a major drawback in portraying the powerful and muscular warrior Arjun. Despite these concerns, Shaheer was determined to prove everyone wrong.
A Remarkable Transformation
Driven by his passion for the role, Shaheer Sheikh committed himself to a rigorous fitness regime for over 1.5 years. Tewary reminisced about Shaheer’s transformation journey, saying, “He underwent a complete transformation, bulking up to embody the physicality of Arjun.” Not only did Shaheer work on his physique, but he also brought a spiritual depth to the role, which impressed Tewary. According to Tewary, Shaheer had the perfect blend of personality and spirituality to portray Arjun with authenticity and power.
Shaheer Sheikh’s Bollywood Break with “Do Patti”
Shaheer Sheikh’s dedication has continued to pay off. Currently, he is busy promoting his upcoming Bollywood film Do Patti, which stars Kajol and Kriti Sanon. This film is a significant milestone in Shaheer’s career, with its release slated for 25 October 2024.
Fans are eagerly awaiting his big-screen appearance, and “Do Patti” is expected to further cement Shaheer Sheikh’s growing stature in the entertainment industry.
