In an unexpected turn of events, Sunil Kumar, a towering constable from Jammu and Kashmir, has emerged as a surprising talent in the Indian film industry. Standing at an impressive 7.7 feet, Sunil has become a sought-after actor in both Bollywood and South Indian cinema, thanks to his unique stature. His most recent claim to fame is his role as the body double for none other than Amitabh Bachchan in the sci-fi epic Kalki 2898 AD. But that’s not all—Sunil also made a chilling appearance as Sarkata, the menacing villain in the horror-comedy Stree 2, which released earlier this August.
A Journey from the Police Force to the Silver Screen
Sunil Kumar’s journey into acting was as unexpected as it was serendipitous. His remarkable height, which set him apart in his day job as a constable, soon caught the attention of filmmakers in the South. Offers began pouring in, first for advertisements and then for roles in films. When the opportunity to be a part of Kalki 2898 AD came along, Sunil eagerly embraced it. “My entire family has always been fans of Amitabh Bachchan,” Sunil shared in an interview, “so the chance to be his body double was beyond exciting.”
In Kalki 2898 AD, a futuristic action film directed by Nag Ashwin, Sunil’s role involved performing high-octane stunts. His face was superimposed with Amitabh Bachchan’s during post-production, creating seamless action sequences that left audiences unaware of the switch.
A Memorable Meeting with the Legend
One of the highlights of Sunil’s experience on set was meeting Amitabh Bachchan himself. “It was my first day on set, and I was getting ready for an action sequence in a harness when Amitabh Sir noticed me,” Sunil recalled with a smile. “He came over, asked the cameraman to take a picture with me, and joked, ‘Everyone calls me tall, but today I’ve met someone taller!’” This interaction, according to Sunil, is a memory he will cherish forever.
From the Shadows to the Spotlight in ‘Stree 2’
While Sunil’s face was masked by visual effects in Kalki 2898 AD, his role as Sarkata in Stree 2 was his opportunity to shine. In this film, the villain’s terrifying face was digitally imposed on Sunil’s massive frame, creating a character that sent shivers down the audience’s spines. Despite the heavy use of VFX, Sunil’s physical presence played a crucial role in bringing Sarkata to life.
Initially, Sunil admitted to feeling a bit disappointed that his friends didn’t immediately recognize him on screen. However, as Stree 2 gained popularity, Sunil’s work received due recognition. His portrayal of Sarkata became a talking point, and his pictures from the set quickly went viral. The actor, who once stood in the background, was now being noticed by everyone.
A Bright Future Ahead
With his newfound fame, Sunil Kumar is excited about the future. He has been receiving numerous offers for new roles and is eager to continue his journey in the film industry. Reflecting on his experience, Sunil says he’s happy with the recognition and is looking forward to the new opportunities that lie ahead.
Sunil Kumar’s story is a testament to how unexpected opportunities can transform lives. From serving as a constable in Jammu and Kashmir to sharing screen space with Bollywood legends, Sunil’s journey is as inspiring as it is unique. As he continues to explore new roles and projects, audiences can look forward to seeing more of this towering talent on the big screen.
