Actress Nimisha Sajayan has revealed the demanding preparation she underwent to portray a police officer in ‘Babita Singh Reporting’, including a weight gain of nearly 14 kg.
Sajayan said she was around 58 kg when she was chosen for the role of Assistant Sub-Inspector Babita Singh. She then worked with a specialist team to gradually increase her weight, eventually reaching approximately 72 kg.
Her diet reportedly progressed from about 1,200 calories a day to as much as 8,000 calories. Sajayan admitted that maintaining such a high-calorie intake was extremely challenging, as she had to consume unusually large quantities of food throughout the day.
Despite the difficulty, the actress said the physical transformation helped her understand and inhabit the character more effectively. For her, the change was not simply about altering her appearance but about getting closer to Babita’s emotional and physical world.
The character is portrayed as a police officer who struggles with confidence and is often overlooked or underestimated in her workplace. Her experiences gradually push her towards confronting the treatment she receives.
Once her work on ‘Babita Singh Reporting’ was completed, Sajayan began the process of returning to her earlier weight. She said she reduced her food intake considerably and stepped up her exercise routine.
The actress has also spoken previously about facing criticism related to her appearance. She said such judgments have become easier for her to deal with over time.
Sajayan believes there is a connection between those experiences and the character she plays. According to her, a person may tolerate repeated disrespect for a long time, but eventually there can come a point when they choose to respond.
Her physical transformation for ‘Babita Singh Reporting’ therefore became an important part of preparing for a character whose personal journey is built around finding the confidence to stand up for herself.