After a four-year hiatus from Telugu cinema, actor Mahat Raghavendra is making a powerful comeback, armed with a transformed physique and renewed mental clarity. The actor, who first entered Tollywood with Bunny n Cherry in 2013, has undergone a remarkable personal transformation, shedding an impressive 14 kilograms over the past year.
The Turning Point: From 88 Kilos to Transformation
Mahat's journey back to fitness began when he realized his health had significantly deteriorated. The actor reached a peak weight of 87-88 kilograms, prompting him to take serious action. He describes the years 2023 and 2024 as particularly challenging emotionally, with professional uncertainties taking a toll on his mental well-being.
"Life comes with its ups and downs, and this phase was no different," Mahat reflects. "Projects weren't working out, and as an actor, it becomes very hard to handle that uncertainty."
The crucial push came from his support system at home. His wife played a pivotal role in encouraging him to restart his fitness journey, reminding him that regardless of life's challenges, moving forward remains essential.
Intensive Training and Mental Transformation
Mahat's fitness regimen combined traditional gym workouts with intensive boxing training. His commitment took him to Australia, where he trained under Koen Mazoudier, the 2025 Australian boxing champion. The sessions were grueling, lasting four to five hours daily and covering technique, footwork, and specialized training.
Back in Chennai, Mahat maintained his momentum, making fitness a non-negotiable priority regardless of his shooting schedule. The physical transformation brought unexpected mental benefits that fundamentally changed his outlook.
"Initially it was just about pushing myself to feel good, but over time I realized workouts made me mentally clear and emotionally balanced," he shares. "Fitness brought me closer to myself. When you put in the effort, sweat it out and work on yourself, it becomes a form of self-care. It's therapy for the mind and soul."
Returning to Telugu Cinema Roots
Mahat's comeback marks a homecoming to Telugu cinema, which he says has always held special significance for him. Between 2013 and 2016-17, he worked on four to five Telugu films before shifting focus to Tamil and Hindi projects. Now, his return feels deeply personal.
"Telugu is my mother tongue, and Telugu cinema has always held a special place in my heart because of the way it conveys emotions," the actor explains.
His upcoming project pairs him with close friend Aishwarya Rajesh, with shooting scheduled to begin in Hyderabad this December. The actor expresses genuine excitement about this new chapter, bringing with him not just a transformed physique but renewed confidence and emotional resilience gained through his year-long fitness journey.
Mahat's story serves as an inspiring example of how physical transformation can catalyze professional and personal renewal, proving that sometimes the journey back to one's career begins with the journey back to oneself.
