Sharvari Wagh transforms her body for YRF’s Alpha by subjecting herself to strenuous boxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, mobility drills.
Wagh’s character, in brief, had to be strong, sexy and able. On the other hand, Behl dismissed assumptions that muscularity equals masculinty. “Sharvari was already in great shape but for Alpha we needed to take her fitness level further,” he said in an interview with Mid-day. “The challenge was to build strength without compromising her femininity or the fluidity of her movements.”
Strength and power were mixed with agility during the training program; this is evident in Sharvari Wagh’s physique. Behl confirms this too: “We concentrated on building a strong core, powerful legs and upper body strength,” he said. “But lifting weights was not our only aim. We did a lot of body weight exercises such as handstands as well as mobility drills that made sure she moved smoothly and explosively.” Boxing was introduced into the routine to add an edge to her movement.
Behl also intended at getting across the mentality of a sportsman/woman into Wagh’s mind. He had his assistant take Sharvari through some Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu taught by Carl Varel who happens to be Asia number six in it. “I wanted Sharvari to experience the grappling, clinching and takedowns first-hand,” Behl explained himself further here saying, “This helped her see how athletes move and react which is very important for action sequences.”
She endured tough workouts while maintaining an indomitable spirit throughout. “She would never give up on me” explained Behl awestruckly. I sometimes found myself struggling just keeping up with her energy levels since she was relentlessly looking towards pushing herself beyond limits. While also trying out new things whenever possible.
In five months alone she has lost nine percent body fat yet gained lean muscle mass.
Directed by Shiv Rawail, (who had previously directed The Railway Men), Alpha will share screens with Nikkhil Advani’s Vedaa. This film is slated to clash with Khel Khel Mein and Stree 2 on August 15th.
