Gitikka Ganju Dhar gained weight to play Amma in Amazon Prime's Lukkhe
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Actress Gitikka Ganju Dhar deliberately gained weight to portray Amma, the emotionally weathered mother of the lead character in the Amazon Prime series Lukkhe, currently streaming on the platform. The physical transformation, she says, was a conscious artistic choice to honour a character defined by years of quiet sacrifice.
The Transformation Behind Amma
“I took the call to put on weight to play Amma to Lucky, played by actor Lakshvir Singh Saran,” Gitikka said. “I felt it would add flavour to her overall look in the show. We went without makeup; in fact, we applied products to make me look older, strained and harried. Her lifelong struggle of bringing up Lucky as a single parent in Chandigarh had to reflect in her unkempt persona.”
The actress described the process as ‘purposeful crafting,’ crediting her co-star’s commitment as a key factor in her own performance. “I’m grateful for the response I’ve received and also would like to mention how important a force my co-actor Lakshvir’s intensity was to my performance,” she added.
What Lukkhe Is About
Directed by Himank Gaur, Lukkhe centres on Lucky, a talented hockey player who goes undercover into Chandigarh’s rap scene to expose a dangerous drug syndicate. As Lucky navigates this world, he confronts love, loyalty, guilt, and brotherhood, with police officer Gurbani and rising rapper MC Badnaam operating as pivotal forces behind the scenes.
A Star-Studded Cast and a Debut
Beyond Lakshvir Singh Saran and Gitikka Ganju Dhar, the series features rapper King and actress Palak Tiwari in prominent roles. Notably, Lukkhe marks rapper King’s first foray into acting, adding an extra layer of curiosity around the show’s reception.
Why the Role Stands Out
Amma’s character represents a archetype rarely given full physical and emotional texture on Indian streaming platforms — the unglamorous, single mother from a Tier-2 city. Gitikka’s deliberate decision to forgo conventional screen aesthetics signals a broader shift in how character actors are approaching OTT roles, prioritising authenticity over appearance. This comes amid a growing appetite among Indian streaming audiences for grounded, regional storytelling.
With Lukkhe now live on Amazon Prime, audience and critical response to Gitikka’s transformation will be a key marker of whether the show’s casting choices pay off.