How Vicky Kaushal Transformed for Chhava

Tejas Lalwani, the man behind Kaushal's warrior physique, reveals the process behind the biggest transformation of 2025 so far

- By Sharan Sanil

Vicky Kaushal's physical transformation for Chhava turned heads the moment the first images surfaced. The actor, known for his dedication to his craft, looked every bit the warrior—bigger, stronger, and more imposing than ever before. But behind the ripped physique was months of relentless discipline, carefully structured training, and an approach that prioritised both aesthetics and function.

The man behind this transformation? Tejas Lalwani, a fitness coach with a growing roster of Bollywood clients. Interestingly, Lalwani's journey into fitness started with a simple yet ambitious goal—to one day meet and train Hrithik Roshan after watching Krrish 3. That passion led him to where he is today, crafting detailed training programmes for actors with a deep understanding of how physique, performance, and on-camera presence come together.

For Chhava, Lalwani ensured that every detail—from muscle symmetry to on-screen presence—was fine-tuned. Whether it was bulking up, recovering from injury, or adjusting to filming demands, the focus was never just on looking good but on being functionally strong. With actors constantly pushing their physical boundaries, trainers like Lalwani are rewriting how fitness is approached in Bollywood. And if the blockbuster's box office appeal is anything to go by, the results speak for themselves.

In this candid conversation, he breaks down Kaushal's training. Excerpts:

What was your approach when designing Vicky Kaushal's training for Chhava?

The first thing I focus on is the character. If someone is playing a warrior, I think about how warriors actually looked in their era. They weren't obsessing over shredded abs or following extreme caloric deficits. They were functional, strong, and built for endurance. For Vicky's training, we incorporated a lot of akhada workouts—traditional strength-based training methods that aligned with the film's aesthetic.