&TV’s Atal actor Mahmood Hashmi took the unconventional path of a delivery boy to transform his physique for a film role

Amidst the familiar narratives of actors diving into Method Acting, enduring countless auditions, and going above and beyond to land roles, have you ever encountered the unique tale of an actor resorting to working as a delivery boy to secure a part? Meet Mahmood Hashmi, currently seen essaying the antagonist ‘Tomar’ in &TV's Atal, who exemplifies this commitment to his craft in his performance. He welcomes the opportunity to excel in both film and television, where each role offers the chance to showcase his talent. Preparing for his role following a display of talent in a 2018 South Indian action-drama film, Hashmi encountered a distinct challenge. To get into the character, the role demanded him to have a lean physique. However, limited financial resources hindered accessing traditional training methods such as gym workouts or yoga sessions. Consequently, he took an unconventional path to physical transformation, dedicating himself to working as a delivery boy to attain the desired physique and earn income simultaneously.

&TV’s Atal actor Mahmood Hashmi took the unconventional path of a delivery boy to transform his physique for a film role

Reflecting on his journey, Mahmood Hashmi (Tomar) shares, "I faced a unique challenge for a role, having limited resources, and chose an unconventional approach to lose weight. I became a Delivery Boy in Jabalpur, cycling tirelessly for 10-12 hours daily, which helped me shed 12 kgs in two months. Despite the demanding job, I transitioned smoothly into filming with unwavering commitment. Although the film's release was delayed, the experience proved invaluable and helped me shape myself as an actor. I learned that authenticity extends beyond script lines and is about fully embodying a character's essence. My time as a delivery boy taught me persistence and resilience, which I incorporated seamlessly into my on-screen performance. Each role is a chance to learn something new and imbibe those learnings into our work. The visible hard work results in lasting impressions of your work, which the audience notices and appreciates."

Watch Mahmood Hashmi as Tomar in &TV’s Atal, airing at 8:00 pm every Monday to Friday!