Randeep Hooda on Marriage, Personal Growth, and His Acclaimed Career
By RUBY ZAIDI
Acclaimed Bollywood actor Randeep Hooda believes that his marriage to actor and model Lin Laishram has profoundly impacted his life, bringing him a sense of calm and stability. The couple, who tied the knot in November 2023 in a traditional Manipuri Meitei wedding in Lin’s home state of Manipur, had met on the set of a theatrical production.
Love Blossomed During the Pandemic
Speaking candidly about their relationship, Hooda revealed how the COVID-19 pandemic strengthened their bond. “The pandemic brought us closer than ever,” he shared during a recent media interaction where Lin was also present. “During that time, she prepared so many amazing dishes for me—I was completely overwhelmed! And to be honest, I am not even particularly fond of food,” he added with a smile.
Before meeting Lin, Randeep and his family had all but given up on the idea of him getting married. The actor, now 48 years old, admitted that for a long time, marriage simply wasn’t on his radar. “Everyone in my family had accepted that I wouldn’t settle down. To be honest, I had also come to terms with it,” he confessed. However, everything changed when he met Lin, who was 39 years old. Their connection grew stronger over time, eventually leading to their decision to take the plunge into married life.
Reflecting on how marriage has influenced his daily routine, Hooda expressed gratitude for the positive changes. “Getting married to Lin has been one of the best decisions of my life,” he said. “She has brought a sense of calm into my life. I have become more disciplined, I eat healthier, and I maintain better hours. In the past, I used to stay up all night, but now, the time I used to sleep is when I wake up,” he revealed, highlighting how marriage has instilled a structured and healthier lifestyle.
Apart from his personal life, Randeep Hooda is widely respected for his versatility as an actor, his ability to undergo drastic physical transformations, and his dedication to the craft of acting. His performances in a variety of films have showcased his wide range, depth, and commitment to bringing characters to life with authenticity.
Randeep made his debut in Monsoon Wedding (2001), but it was his breakthrough role in Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai (2010) that earned him widespread recognition. Over the years, he has delivered several powerful performances in films such as:
Highway (2014) – where his portrayal of a kidnapper with a tragic past earned him critical acclaim.Sarbjit (2016) – in which he played Sarbjit Singh, an Indian prisoner held in Pakistan, starring alongside Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who played his sister.Sultan (2016) – where he took on the role of a wrestling coach, supporting Salman Khan’s character in his quest for glory.Main Aur Charles (2015) – a film where he portrayed the notorious serial killer Charles Sobhraj, showcasing his ability to embody complex characters.
One of the most striking aspects of Hooda’s dedication to acting is his willingness to undergo extreme physical transformations to bring authenticity to his roles. For example:
In Sarbjit, he went through a drastic weight loss transformation, shedding 18 kilograms in just 28 days to portray the frail and tortured prisoner. For his role in Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, he lost over 30 kg to authentically represent freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar on screen.
His commitment to realism has set him apart as one of Bollywood’s most intense method actors.
In addition to his contributions to cinema, Hooda is deeply involved in social causes. He has actively participated in relief efforts, notably extending help during the Kerala floods.
He also serves as the brand ambassador for Prayas, an NGO dedicated to rehabilitating juvenile delinquents. Through this initiative, he works towards providing guidance, education, and rehabilitation opportunities for troubled youth, helping them integrate back into society.
Few people know that beyond his acting prowess, Randeep Hooda is an accomplished equestrian. He is actively involved in polo and show jumping and has competed at professional levels.
In 2009, he won a silver medal at the Delhi dressage event, solidifying his position as a serious sportsman. Unlike many actors who take up fitness as part of their profession, Hooda’s love for horse riding is a lifelong passion that he continues to pursue alongside his acting career.
From his early days in Bollywood to his transformation into one of India’s most respected actors, Randeep Hooda’s journey has been one of dedication, discipline, and evolution. His recent marriage to Lin Laishram has introduced a newfound sense of peace and stability in his life, while his unwavering commitment to his craft, social causes, and personal passions continues to define his identity.
With several exciting projects on the horizon, Hooda’s fans eagerly await his next powerful performance, knowing that whether on screen or in real life, he remains a figure of resilience, talent, and authenticity.
