Actor Prithviraj Sukumaran's dedication to his role in the film Aadujeevitham was nothing short of extraordinary. To portray a character struggling to survive, he underwent a dramatic transformation, losing 31 kilograms. One of the most intense aspects of his commitment was his willingness to undergo 3-day fasts, pushing his body to the limits of endurance.
Prithviraj's Physical Transformation
Prithviraj's commitment was evident in his preparation for a challenging nude scene. Cinematographer Sunil KS revealed that Prithviraj fasted for three days, consuming no food or water on the last day. Before the shoot, he even took a small amount of vodka to drain the remaining water from his body. He was then carried to the location, as he was too weak to walk.
The Role of Fasting in Transformation
Prithviraj's physical transformation was achieved under the expert guidance of trainers, nutritionists, and doctors on set. Fasting played a crucial role in this transformation, with some fasts lasting up to 72 hours. According to Prithviraj, this fasting was not done in a healthy way, but it was necessary for the role. The most dramatic part of his transformation is reserved for a key scene in the film, where the audience gets to see the result of his three years spent in the desert.
Effects of Fasting for 72 Hours
As per Dr Sanesh Tuteja, Consultant-Arthroscopy and Sports Medicine at Fortis Hospital in Mulund, fasting for 72 hours, also known as a three-day water fast, can have various effects on the body. Initially, the body uses stored glycogen for energy, leading to a decrease in blood sugar levels. As the fast continues, the body shifts into ketosis, burning fat for fuel. This metabolic state can promote weight loss and has other potential benefits.
Weight Loss
Being in ketosis makes the body more efficient at burning fat for energy, leading to weight loss. Additionally, fasting for 72 hours may reduce overall calorie intake, further aiding in weight loss.
Improved Insulin Sensitivity
Fasting can lead to decreased insulin levels, which may improve insulin sensitivity. This can be particularly beneficial for people with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes.
Increased Mental Clarity
Many people report feeling more alert and focused when they're in ketosis. The brain can use ketones (produced during ketosis) as an alternative source of energy, which may contribute to this increased mental clarity.
Reduced Inflammation
Some studies suggest that ketosis can help reduce inflammation in the body, which could benefit people with inflammatory conditions such as arthritis or autoimmune diseases.
Improved Metabolic Health
Ketosis may improve various markers of metabolic health, such as triglyceride levels, blood pressure, and HDL (good) cholesterol levels. These benefits may be related to the weight loss that often occurs during ketosis.
Potential Drawbacks
Dr Tuteja has also emphasized the fact that despite the potential benefits, extended fasting carries inherent risks. He cautioned against unsupervised fasting, emphasizing the potential for adverse effects such as kidney injury, electrolyte imbalances, and cardiac complications. Individuals with medical conditions, particularly diabetes, should exercise extreme caution and seek professional guidance before embarking on prolonged fasts.
Bottomline
In conclusion, Prithviraj Sukumaran's dedication to his role in Aadujeevitham is a testament to his commitment to his craft. His willingness to undergo extreme physical challenges, including 72-hour fasts, showcases the lengths to which some actors will go to bring their characters to life on screen. While fasting can have benefits, it's important to approach it with caution and under the guidance of healthcare professionals.