1. Sushant Singh Rajput as M.S. Dhoni (M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story, 2016)
Sushant underwent intense cricket training to replicate Dhoni’s famous helicopter shot and batting style. He studied Dhoni’s expressions, body language, and speech patterns, delivering an authentic performance that won over audiences. His dedication extended to shadowing Dhoni closely, ensuring every aspect of his portrayal mirrored the cricketer’s real-life persona, making this film one of the most celebrated sports biopics in Bollywood.
2. Ranbir Kapoor as Sanjay Dutt (Sanju, 2018)
Ranbir’s transformation for Sanju was remarkable, as he adopted multiple looks representing Sanjay Dutt’s different life phases. He perfected Dutt’s signature walk, voice modulation, and expressions, making it difficult to distinguish between real and reel. His commitment included gaining and losing weight to match various stages of Dutt’s life, earning immense praise from audiences and critics for his uncanny resemblance to the veteran actor.
3. Priyanka Chopra as Mary Kom (Mary Kom, 2014)
Priyanka trained rigorously to embody Mary Kom’s strength, agility, and fighting style, spending months learning boxing techniques. She mastered Kom’s accent and emotional depth, ensuring her portrayal captured the essence of the champion’s journey. Priyanka’s dedication extended to physically enduring intensive workouts, transforming herself into a professional boxer, which added authenticity to her inspiring performance in the film.
4. Farhan Akhtar as Milkha Singh (Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, 2013)
Farhan followed an intense fitness regime, sculpting his body to resemble Milkha Singh’s athletic frame. He spent months learning professional running techniques, training under experts to replicate Singh’s signature sprinting style. His complete immersion into the role, including adopting Singh’s disciplined mindset and lifestyle, brought realism to his portrayal, making the film one of India’s finest biopic adaptations.
5. Irrfan Khan as Paan Singh Tomar (Paan Singh Tomar, 2012)
Irrfan mastered steeplechase running to convincingly portray the athlete-turned-bandit’s journey. He adopted the dialect and mannerisms of Chambal valley, enhancing the authenticity of his performance. His intense preparation included understanding the complexities of Tomar’s life, showcasing emotional depth in his transition from an army athlete to a feared outlaw, making the film a standout biopic in Indian cinema.
6. Ranveer Singh as Kapil Dev (83, 2021)
Ranveer underwent rigorous cricket training under Kapil Dev himself to perfect the legendary all-rounder’s bowling action and leadership style. He meticulously studied Kapil’s body language, expressions, and iconic mannerisms, ensuring his portrayal felt real. His dedication to the role brought authenticity to 83, allowing audiences to relive India’s historic 1983 Cricket World Cup victory through a compelling performance.
7. Sidharth Malhotra as Captain Vikram Batra (Shershaah, 2021)
Sidharth trained with military experts to understand battlefield tactics, ensuring accuracy in his portrayal of Captain Vikram Batra. His preparation included physical endurance exercises and mastering army protocols. He delivered emotionally charged dialogues that resonated with Batra’s legacy, earning immense appreciation for bringing the war hero’s life and bravery to the screen with intense realism and heartfelt depth.