From Pankaj Tripathi to Ranbir Kapoor: the most incredible makeup transformations in Bollywood
Dec 26, 2022
Credit: Twitter
Pankaj Tripathi reveals his look as former Indian PM, Atal Bihari Vajpayee
On the birth anniversary of India’s former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, actor Pankaj Tripathi revealed his look as Vajpayee. Tripathi is playing the statesman in an upcoming biopic titled Main Atal Hoon.
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The latest in Bollywood’s list of incredible makeup transformations
This is not the first time that a Bollywood actor has relied on makeup and/or prosthetics to transform her look. In fact, Bollywood has served several incredible transformations over the years.
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Ranbir Kapoor: Sanju
When Ranbir Kapoor’s look from Sanju was revealed, people were impressed by how Kapoor nailed Sanjay Dutt’s mannerisms. But what was equally impressive was how prosthetic artist Dr. Suresh Murkey and hairstylist Aalim Hakim enabled Kapoor to look like Sanjay Dutt.
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Lara Dutta: Bell Bottom
As soon as the trailer for Bell Bottom hit social media, Lara Dutta’s look as the former PM Indira Gandhi went viral - thanks to the efforts of makeup artist Vikram Gaikwad and his team.
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Amitabh Bachchan: Paa
Amitabh Bachchan would take over 3 hours every time he had to transform into a 12-year-old kid suffering from progeria for Paa. The incredible transformation was achieved by international makeup artists Christien Tinsley (of The Passion of the Christ fame) and Dominie Till (of The Lord of the Rings fame) - who even won the National Film Award (for best makeup) for it.
Credit: BCCL
Rajkummar Rao: Raabta
Rajkummar Rao’s look as a 324-year-old man in Raabta was the only memorable thing in an otherwise forgetful film. Make-up artists Zuby Johal and Rajiv Subba (of Tumbbad fame) worked on Rao’s look in the film.
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R. Madhavan: Rocketry: The Nambi Effect
Madhavan played the role of a 77-year-old ISRO scientist Nambi Narayanan in the biopic and it took him nearly 14 hours to achieve the look. Madhavan, who also directed the film, was 48 at the time of shooting Rocketry.
Credit: Instagram
Kamal Haasan: Hindustani (Indian)
Haasan played a dual role in the 1996 film Indian and transformed into a 70-year-old vigilante with the help of international makeup artist Michael Westmore. The film’s sequel, Indian 2, is releasing in 2023 and Westmore is most likely working with Haasan on it.
Credit: YouTube
Kamal Haasan: Chachi 420
An adaptation of the Hollywood drama Mrs. Doubtfire, Chachi 420 saw Haasan play Laxmi Godbole. American makeup artist and Oscar winner Michael Westmore, who won the 1985 Academy Award for Makeup for Mask, was responsible for this transformation as well.
Credit: YouTube
Shah Rukh Khan: Fan
The failed action thriller had Khan playing a dual role – one of which was that of an obsessed fan. The artful transformation was all thanks to international artist Greg Cannom – the same artist who worked on Rishi Kapoor’s look in Kapoor & Sons.
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Rishi Kapoor: Kapoor & Sons
Oscar-winning makeup artist Greg Cannom transformed the late Rishi Kapoor into a 90-year-old grandfather in Kapoor & Sons. It took Kapoor nearly 5 hours, daily, to get into the look.
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Hrithik Roshan: Dhoom 2
As a wily thief, Hrithik Roshan transformed into many avatars in the film - an old security guard, a statue, a dwarf, and yes, even Queen Elizabeth. Each of the brilliant looks could be achieved thanks to the efforts of international hair and makeup designer Sjaan Gillings.
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