Jaideep Ahlawat on Intense Prep for ‘Maharaj’

Veteran actor Jaideep Ahlawat recently reflected on the intense preparation for his role as the antagonist in ‘Maharaj,’ now streaming on Netflix. In an interview with ANI, Ahlawat shared insights into his challenging journey to embody Jadunath Maharaj.

Ahlawat admitted initial doubts about the role, saying, “I thought this is a very difficult character. I told my brother I don’t think I can do this.” However, after a reassuring meeting with the film’s director, he decided to take on the challenge. “The way he narrated Maharaj, I was like, yes, I should do this,” he explained.

During the lockdown, Ahlawat committed to intense physical training to prepare for the role. He revealed, “I weighed around 104 kgs before preparing for this role. For almost 5.5 months of intense physical training, my trainer worked very hard on me. We did 3-4 workouts a day.”

He emphasized the collaborative effort behind his performance, stating, “Credit goes to everybody. I’m just an instrument for transforming all those energies created by these people.”

Set during the 1862 Maharaj Libel Case, the film faced a temporary setback due to a legal stay by the Gujarat High Court, which was lifted on Friday. Following this, Yash Raj Films expressed gratitude through an Instagram post, stating, “We are grateful to the judiciary for allowing the release of Maharaj, a film that celebrates one of the most important social reformers of our country, Karsandas Mulji.”

Directed by Sidharth P Malhotra and produced by YRF Entertainment, ‘Maharaj’ stars Junaid Khan in his debut role alongside Jaideep Ahlawat, Shalini Pandey, and a special appearance by Sharvari. The film, based on true events from pre-independence India, highlights the courage of Karsandas Mulji, a social reformer who challenged the status quo in a landmark legal battle.

Critics and audiences have praised ‘Maharaj’ for its compelling storytelling and powerful performances. The film is now available for streaming on Netflix.