Actor Tanishaa Mukerji recently opened up about the intense physical transformation she underwent for her 2005 film Neal ’n’ Nikki and revealed that the strict fitness regime eventually affected her health.
The actor shared that filmmaker Aditya Chopra had asked her to tone her body for the role, prompting her to completely change her diet and workout routine.
Tanishaa Recalls Aditya Chopra’s Feedback
In an interview with Mamaraazzi, Tanishaa said she was called for a screen test for Neal ’n’ Nikki despite already having worked in films before joining the project.
She recalled telling Aditya Chopra that she would trust his guidance completely after previously not following some of his career advice.
According to Tanishaa, things changed during her first photoshoot for the film.
“My first photo session for Neal ’n’ Nikki, I had all these love handles and he was like, ‘No, you can’t look like this. You need to be toned,’” she said.
She added that the feedback pushed her to work intensely on her fitness transformation.
“After that first photo session, I just went crazy and transformed my body because I was so focused on reaching that ultimate goal. Then he was like, ‘Yes, this is Nikki,’” she recalled.
Strict Fitness Routine Led to Hormonal Imbalance
Tanishaa shared that she eventually discovered the perfect balance between dieting and exercise and followed the routine very strictly.
However, the actor said maintaining such an extreme regimen for a long period negatively impacted her health.
“If you try to keep it for long term, you would have a hormonal imbalance, which is what happened to me,” she said.
The actor explained that the experience taught her the importance of maintaining balance instead of pushing the body excessively.
Tanishaa Reflects on Neal ’n’ Nikki Criticism
Directed by Arjun Sablok, Neal ’n’ Nikki received criticism upon release in 2005.
Looking back at the film, Tanishaa said she chose to view the criticism objectively rather than personally.
“Because I was like, ‘Why did the audience feel like this?’ I went back and I saw the film. I am very objective about myself,” she shared.
The actor admitted that while she was satisfied with parts of her performance at the time, she now feels she could have improved certain scenes.
“The audience has every right to criticise,” she added.
‘Film Is a Director’s Medium’
Tanishaa also reflected on the collaborative nature of filmmaking and explained why she never blamed herself for the film’s reception.
“An actor will only push themselves as far as the director will allow them. An actor will only do what a director demands of them,” she said.
She further added that directors use multiple cinematic elements including lighting, camera work and scene construction to shape performances effectively.
About Neal ’n’ Nikki
Released in 2005, Neal ’n’ Nikki starred:
- Uday Chopra
- Tanishaa Mukerji
The film was produced under the Yash Raj Films banner and directed by Arjun Sablok.
Despite mixed reception at release, the film continues to be discussed for its modern styling and unconventional storytelling approach for its time.
