Actor. Director. Writer. Producer. On-screen shapeshifter. Born on August 20, 1976, Randeep Hooda has carved his place as one of Indian cinema’s most fearless and versatile performers. Known for his unwavering dedication and uncanny ability to morph into vastly different characters, Hooda consistently pushes the boundaries of body, mind, and craft.
On his birthday, we revisit six performances that cement his reputation as Bollywood’s true chameleon.
Main Aur Charles (2015) – The Seductive Serial Killer
Stepping into the shoes of the infamous Charles Sobhraj, Hooda shed kilos and meticulously studied the criminal’s charm, mannerisms, and speech patterns. His unsettlingly convincing performance blurred the line between allure and menace, leaving audiences riveted.
Sarbjit (2016) – The Wronged Prisoner
As Sarbjit Singh, unjustly imprisoned in Pakistan for 22 years, Hooda underwent one of the most extreme transformations of his career—losing 24 kgs in 28 days. Beyond the physical, he perfected a Punjabi accent and carried the emotional weight of Sarbjit’s suffering with haunting intensity.
Swatantrya Veer Savarkar (2024) – The Revolutionary
More than an actor here, Hooda wore multiple hats as writer, producer, and director. To embody Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, he lost a staggering 36 kgs, risking his health in the process. His portrayal of the freedom fighter’s grit and resilience was hailed as one of his most powerful performances to date.
Jaat (2025) – The Menacing Gangster
In Jaat, opposite Sunny Deol, Hooda became the fearsome Ranatunga, a gangster whose very presence demanded attention. He bulked up, then slimmed down during the same shoot to convincingly play the character across different phases. Coupled with altered voice modulation and an intimidating screen presence, the role showcased his fearless commitment to transformation.
Highway (2014) – The Haunted Kidnapper
As Mahabir Bhati, the brooding truck driver who kidnaps Alia Bhatt’s character, Hooda demonstrated that transformation isn’t always physical. He adopted a Gujjar dialect, rustic body language, and an understated fragility that peeled back the layers of a troubled soul. The result: one of his most poignant and unforgettable performances.
Extraction (2020) – The Soldier’s Spirit
Marking his Hollywood debut, Hooda starred as Saju, a former Para Special Forces officer, alongside Chris Hemsworth. He trained extensively, added muscle mass, and sported long hair for the first time in his career to embody the rugged warrior. His gritty, commanding screen presence won international acclaim.
Whether it’s disappearing into the skin of a freedom fighter, a gangster, or a broken man seeking justice, Hooda reminds us that cinema is at its most powerful when it feels real. His journey is one of courage, sacrifice, and unflinching dedication, and with every performance, he leaves behind a piece of himself for the audience to carry.
