Tanishaa Mukerji: Intense prep for Neal 'n' Nikki look led to hormonal imbalance
Tanishaa Mukerji said Aditya Chopra asked her to get toned for Neal 'n' Nikki, leading her into an intense transformation. She said the regimen caused hormonal imbalance.
Actor Tanishaa Mukerji has opened up about the physical transformation she underwent for the 2005 film Neal 'n' Nikki, revealing that the intense fitness regimen eventually led to hormonal imbalance issues.
Tanishaa Mukerji recalls extreme prep
In a recent interview with Mamaraazzi, Tanishaa said filmmaker Aditya Chopra had asked her to completely change her appearance for the role, prompting her to follow a strict workout and diet routine.
Speaking about her first look test, Tanishaa recalled being told to get fitter. “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 commit fully to the transformation. “After that, I just went all in and transformed my body because I was so focused on reaching that goal. Then he said, ‘Yes, this is Nikki,’” she said.
Tanishaa said she became highly disciplined about her workouts and diet, following a fixed routine once she found what worked for her. However, maintaining that level of physical conditioning over time took a toll on her health.
“If you try to sustain it, you would have a hormonal imbalance, which is what happened to me,” she said.
Directed by Arjun Sablok and produced under Yash Raj Films, Neal ’n’ Nikki starred Tanishaa opposite Uday Chopra. The film received criticism upon its release in 2005.
Reflecting on the response, Tanishaa said she approached the criticism objectively and did not take it personally. “I went back and watched the film to understand why audiences felt that way,” she said, adding that while she was satisfied with her performance at the time, she now believes some scenes could have been done differently.
On responsibility and filmmaking
Tanishaa also spoke about the role of a director in shaping performances, noting that actors work within the framework set by the filmmaker. She said she never blamed herself for the film’s failure, emphasising that storytelling is a collaborative process.
Tanishaa, daughter of veteran actor Tanuja and sister of Kajol, was last seen in the 2024 animated drama Luv You Shankar.
Actor Tanishaa Mukerji has opened up about the physical transformation she underwent for the 2005 film Neal 'n' Nikki, revealing that the intense fitness regimen eventually led to hormonal imbalance issues.
Tanishaa Mukerji recalls extreme prep
In a recent interview with Mamaraazzi, Tanishaa said filmmaker Aditya Chopra had asked her to completely change her appearance for the role, prompting her to follow a strict workout and diet routine.
Speaking about her first look test, Tanishaa recalled being told to get fitter. “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 commit fully to the transformation. “After that, I just went all in and transformed my body because I was so focused on reaching that goal. Then he said, ‘Yes, this is Nikki,’” she said.
Tanishaa said she became highly disciplined about her workouts and diet, following a fixed routine once she found what worked for her. However, maintaining that level of physical conditioning over time took a toll on her health.
“If you try to sustain it, you would have a hormonal imbalance, which is what happened to me,” she said.
Directed by Arjun Sablok and produced under Yash Raj Films, Neal ’n’ Nikki starred Tanishaa opposite Uday Chopra. The film received criticism upon its release in 2005.
Reflecting on the response, Tanishaa said she approached the criticism objectively and did not take it personally. “I went back and watched the film to understand why audiences felt that way,” she said, adding that while she was satisfied with her performance at the time, she now believes some scenes could have been done differently.
On responsibility and filmmaking
Tanishaa also spoke about the role of a director in shaping performances, noting that actors work within the framework set by the filmmaker. She said she never blamed herself for the film’s failure, emphasising that storytelling is a collaborative process.
Tanishaa, daughter of veteran actor Tanuja and sister of Kajol, was last seen in the 2024 animated drama Luv You Shankar.
