MUMBAI: Getting into the skin of a character requires immense effort. Have a look at actors who went the unconventional way to play a character in a romantic film.

Salman Khan in Tere Naam
Radhe (Salman Khan) will forever be etched in our memories. From Salman’s mid-parted hair to his dressing sense, everything about the Tere Naam character had become a rage. However, as the film progresses, Salman has to slip into the skin of a person who loses his mental balance. This struck an emotional chord.

Shahid Kapoor in Kabir Singh
Shahid Kapoor was questioned by many for playing a toxic male in Kabir Singh. The film was a controversial hit and how Shahid has worked on himself shows. Not only he looks convincing in the segments where he has to appear intoxicated, his physical transformation was also amazing.

Priyanka Chopra in Aitraaz
Aitraaz remains one of the most memorable film of Priyanka Chopra’s Bollywood career. She played the role of Sonia, an amibitious and manipulative woman in the film, who falsely accuses an office employee, Raj, played by Akshay Kumar of molesting her. Sonia was largely a negative shade, but with her performance, Priyanka manages to evoke empathy for her lovelorn character.

Abhay Deol in Dev D
Dev D is a cult. The flawed character of Dev, played by Abhay Deol, was challenging. It was a risk that had to be taken and Abhay’s performance was lauded by all. Anurag Kashyap does not paint a target on Dev, but lets him seek salvation.

Taapsee Pannu in Manmarziyaan
Meek female lovers have been aplenty in Hindi films, but Taapsee Pannu shattered the notion of what constitutes female desire on screen in Manmarziyaan. She refuses to bow down to patriarchy and again, Anurag Kashyap presents us with a flawed but relatable character in Rumi.

Bhumi Pednekar in Dum Laga Ke Haisha
Bhumi gained a lot of weight for her role in debut film Dum Laga Ke Haisha. It was not a norm to romance a plus sized character on screen in Bollywood. But Bhumi’s portrayal is authentic.

Dhanush in Raanjhanaa
Watching Dhanush in Raanjhanaa is a delight. He undergoes major body transformation for his role in the film and it has turned out to be rewarding as Raanjhanaa still remains one of his most successful films in Bollywood and South film industry.

Kangana Ranaut in Tanu Weds Manu
Kangana is unabashed and care-free as Tanu. Her character risks it all in love and returns empty-handed. This was not the kind of role that can be played easily and Kangana brings her A-game to the task.

Irrfan in The Lunchbox
Saajan of The Lunchbox tugs at the heart strings slowly. Not only is Irrfan genuine in the film, his character drips with innocence and bring to the screen how it feels to be alone during the later stages of life.

Credits: News 18