Archive · 6 Oct 2026
Vijay Deverakonda Recalls Water Restriction for Liger
Vijay Deverakonda said he drank very little water while getting ready for the film Liger.
He did this to make his muscles look more defined for filming.
He said he sometimes licked an ice cube when he wanted water.
Health experts say this does not make someone lose body fat.
It mainly makes the body lose water, so the change in weight may not last.
Drinking too little can make people dizzy, weak, or very unwell.
Ice and coconut water do not make severe water restriction safe.
The experts say lasting fat loss should not rely on dehydration.
Vijay Deverakonda said he sharply reduced his water intake while preparing for Liger to make his body look more defined.
He described cutting intake from several litres to 300–100 millilitres a day and avoiding water for 10 hours before filming.
Deverakonda said he licked ice and later asked his team for coconut water; he also said he had completed a 24-hour fast once.
Experts said severe water restriction causes temporary water loss, not meaningful fat loss, and that the apparent weight loss can reverse after rehydration.
The experts warned of risks including dizziness, weakness, electrolyte disturbances and, in severe cases, effects on kidney and cardiovascular health.
- Who
- Actor Vijay Deverakonda and health and nutrition experts.
- What
- Deverakonda described restricting water while preparing for Liger; experts explained the potential risks of severe dehydration.
- When
- Deverakonda discussed the experience in a recent YouTube podcast; the article does not give a date.
- Where
- The water restriction took place during preparation for filming Liger; the podcast conversation was with Sudhir Srinivasan.
- Why
- Deverakonda said the restriction was intended to make his body look more defined for the film.
Appearance-focused restriction
Health experts’ cautions
Purpose and effect of water restriction
Appearance-focused restriction
Deverakonda said he restricted water to make his body look shredded for filming.
Health experts’ cautions
Experts said the resulting definition is temporary and comes from reduced body water, not meaningful fat loss.
Use as a weight-loss approach
Appearance-focused restriction
The article describes bodybuilders and athletes using short-term dehydration protocols before competitions or photoshoots.
Health experts’ cautions
Experts cautioned that these practices are risky and context-dependent, and should not be copied as a general weight-loss method.
- Film
- Liger
- Water intake described
- Deverakonda said intake was reduced from four or six litres to 300–100 millilitres a day.
- Before filming
- He said he went without water for 10 hours before a shoot.
- Fasting
- He said he had managed a 24-hour fast once and had given up five of six attempts.
- Expert assessment
- Severe water restriction causes dehydration rather than meaningful fat loss.
- Potential risks
- Dizziness, weakness, headaches, low blood pressure, impaired concentration and electrolyte disturbances; severe cases may affect kidney or cardiovascular health.
- Ice and coconut water
- Experts said licking ice provides little fluid and coconut water does not replace adequate hydration.