Shruti Haasan gains eight kilos for 'Behen Hogi Teri'

Shruti Haasan

Fitness buff Shruti Haasan has joined the league of actresses, who forgo their perfect silhouettes for reel. She has piled on eight kilos for her upcoming film, Behen Hogi Teri, which sees her in the role of a feisty Punjabi girl.

The decision to pack in the punds, Shruti says, was crucial to lend authenticity to her part. "Given the family and background that my character Binny Arora comes from, it was essential that she look fuller. Thankfully, gaining weight paid off, given the amazing response our trailer received," she says.

A source says, "Shruti's character belongs to a food-loving family. She was asked to gain weight to fit the role. Given that Shruti has always been a fitness freak, this was new for her, but she was willing to take up the challenge."

Shruti Hassan and Rajkummar Rao in the film

The actress switched her diet and included more carbs and fiber-rich foods. "Though she didn't alter her protein intake (to prevent muscle loss), she consumed rice generously. She also included judicious amounts of butter and potatoes in her diet, with parathas becoming a staple," the source adds.

The 31-year-old also changed her exercise programme to facilitate the weight gain. She cut down on her Pilates and weight training regime, and chose to focus on cardiovascular workouts of low intensity, the source adds.

Once filming for the romantic comedy, which also features Rajkummar Rao, was complete, Shruti was quick to resume her original routine. "I made sure I lost all the weight, maybe more, especially since I was to start combat training for Sangamithra (Sundar C's period drama) later."