Ram Charan Sculpted A Raw ‘Desi Pehalwan’ Look For Peddi: How Surya Namaskar And Carb-Cycling Helped The Actor

The days of the “Greek God” physique in Indian cinema might be taking a backseat to something much more raw. For his upcoming film Peddi, directed by Buchi Babu Sana, Ram Charan isn’t just playing a character; he is undergoing a massive physical overhaul. Over 16 months, the actor has moved through three distinct transformations to bring a “Desi Pehalwan” to life.

According to celebrity fitness trainer Rakkesh R. Uddiyar, the vision was specific from day one. “Buchi Babu and Charan were very clear to me about the lead character in Peddi. He should look like a desi pehalwan. He should not look like a Greek god,” Uddiyar told SCREEN.

Achieving this look meant a schedule planned down to the minute. Training sessions were often completed before the cameras

even started rolling, with the actor’s day beginning well before dawn. “I would often get a call at 4 am,” the trainer revealed, adding that Ram Charan would take his first meal in the car while heading to the set. This level of precision was managed by a dedicated “Transformation WhatsApp Group” consisting of a chef, doctor, dietician, and personal staff to ensure no detail was missed.

The ‘Akhada’ Routine

The workout wasn’t your standard gym fare. It was a combination of modern science and ancient Indian strength training. The week was split into two halves:

• Mon/Wed/Fri: Weight training paired with fasting cardio.
• Tue/Thu/Sat: Functional movement, mobility exercises, and traditional “Kushti” drills.

Uddiyar incorporated traditional tools like the Gada (mace), rope-pulling exercises, and Surya Namaskar to ensure the muscles looked functional and “desi” rather than sculpted by machines.

Vegetarianism & Carb-Cycling

Perhaps the most challenging aspect was the plate. While the actor already leaned toward a plant-based lifestyle, the film demanded a full commitment. “That time was very difficult for us. He was already following a 50 to 60 percent vegetarian diet. But putting him on a full vegetarian diet during training was difficult,” Uddiyar shared.

To maintain muscle while dropping fat, they used a “carb cycling” method with a 1,800 to 2,500 calorie range. The initial four to five months were spent in a calorie deficit to ensure he looked like a lean “village boy” before bulkier phases began. While fans have seen glimpses of the actor’s dedication, the best is yet to come. With the film slated for a June release, the trainer teased that the third and final transformation “will be a surprise for fans.”

Reflecting on the grueling timeline, Uddiyar noted: “It’s not a one-day programme. I have almost given one year and four months for his body.”