Vishal Jethwa bulks up for Shakti Shalini: 'No pain, no gain'
Synopsis
Vishal Jethwa is quietly building one of Bollywood's more compelling physical transformations — reportedly for Shakti Shalini — and his take on it goes deeper than the gym. For an actor who broke out as a villain in Mardaani 2 and has steadily climbed from TV to Tiger 3, this could be the role that redefines him.
Key Takeaways
Vishal Jethwa is undergoing a major physical transformation for his reportedly upcoming project Shakti Shalini .
The actor has been following a strict regimen of workouts, controlled diet, and disciplined rest to bulk up for the role.
Jethwa was last seen in Homebound alongside Ishaan Khatter and Janhvi Kapoor .
He made his Hindi film debut in 2019 as the antagonist in Mardaani 2 and has since appeared in Tiger 3 , IB71 , and Salaam Venky .
The actor says fitness is about 'building mental strength and consistency', not just physical appearance.
Actor Vishal Jethwa is currently undergoing a significant physical transformation in preparation for his upcoming project, reportedly titled Shakti Shalini. The Mumbai-based actor has committed to a rigorous fitness regimen — combining structured workouts, a controlled diet, and disciplined rest — to bulk up for the role.
The Transformation Process
According to sources close to the actor, Jethwa has been consistently training to meet the physical demands of his part in Shakti Shalini. The preparation reportedly requires him to add considerable muscle mass, making the fitness routine central to his pre-production work.
Jethwa described the journey as far more than a physical challenge. 'Achieving peak fitness is never easy. People often notice the physical change, but a lot of emotional and mental discipline goes into it. I believe in 'no pain, no gain' because transformation only happens when you are willing to push yourself every day, even on difficult days,' he said.
Beyond Appearance: The Mental Game
The actor emphasised that his approach to fitness extends well beyond aesthetics. 'For me, fitness is not just about appearance. It is also about building mental strength and consistency. When you are preparing for something specific, every part of your routine matters — your workouts, diet, rest, and mindset,' Jethwa added.
He also noted that the process has been educational: 'I have been training regularly and staying focused on the process. It has been a learning experience, and I'm looking forward to sharing more about this project soon.'
Recent Work and Career Background
Jethwa was most recently seen in Homebound, a film exploring the bond between two childhood friends — played by Ishaan Khatter and Jethwa — as they navigate the pressures of the national police exam. The film also stars Janhvi Kapoor.
The actor began his career in 2013 with the lead role of Akbar in the historical drama Bharat Ka Veer Putra – Maharana Pratap, followed by Bali in Sankatmochan Mahabali Hanuman in 2015. He went on to appear in several notable television productions including Diya Aur Baati Hum, Peshwa Bajirao, Chakradhari Ajay Krishna, Thapki Pyar Ki, and Ghatotkacha.
From Television to Mainstream Cinema
Jethwa made a striking Hindi film debut in 2019 as the main antagonist in Mardaani 2 alongside Rani Mukerji. He subsequently appeared in the medical thriller series Human (2022) with Shefali Shah and Kirti Kulhari, and played the title role in Revathi's slice-of-life drama Salaam Venky, co-starring Kajol, Rajeev Khandelwal, Rahul Bose, Prakash Raj, and Aahana Kumra.
In 2023, he featured in IB71 alongside Vidyut Jammwal and played Hassan Ali in the blockbuster Tiger 3 starring Salman Khan. With Shakti Shalini on the horizon, the actor's physical and creative evolution continues to draw attention.
Point of View
But his trajectory makes it worth watching. He has methodically moved from TV antagonist to credible film presence — Mardaani 2, Tiger 3, IB71 — without a single conventional star-making vehicle. If Shakti Shalini delivers the physical role he is preparing for, it could finally give him the defining moment his résumé has been building toward. The real question is whether the project materialises with the scale the preparation implies.
NationPress
7 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Vishal Jethwa's upcoming project Shakti Shalini?
Shakti Shalini is the reported title of Vishal Jethwa's next project, for which he is undergoing a significant physical transformation to bulk up for his role. Details about the film's full cast and release date have not yet been officially announced.
Why is Vishal Jethwa undergoing a physical transformation?
Jethwa is reportedly bulking up to meet the physical demands of his character in the upcoming project Shakti Shalini. He has described the process as requiring strict workouts, a controlled diet, disciplined rest, and strong mental focus.
What was Vishal Jethwa's last film?
Vishal Jethwa was most recently seen in Homebound, a film about two childhood friends attempting to pass the national police exam, co-starring Ishaan Khatter and Janhvi Kapoor.
How did Vishal Jethwa start his acting career?
Jethwa began his career in 2013 with the lead role of Akbar in the television series Bharat Ka Veer Putra – Maharana Pratap. He made his Hindi film debut in 2019 as the main antagonist in Mardaani 2 alongside Rani Mukerji.
Which major films has Vishal Jethwa appeared in?
Jethwa has appeared in Mardaani 2 (2019), the series Human (2022), Salaam Venky, IB71 (2023), and Tiger 3 (2023) in which he played Hassan Ali opposite Salman Khan.
