Kiran’s involvement in “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy was a fulfilment of a long-held dream that began when he was fifteen and first read J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic novels. Kiran often wondered if these beloved books would ever be adapted into films. His aspirations materialised in 1999 when he received a pivotal phone call from director Peter Jackson, inviting him for an interview. Subsequently, he was asked to join the monumental project.

Starting in August 1999, Kiran relocated to New Zealand, where he dedicated the next two years to the filming of the trilogy. His commitment did not end there; for the next two years, he frequently travelled back and forth to complete additional scenes for the subsequent films, ultimately concluding his work at the end of 2002.

In these ground-breaking films, Kiran served as a scale and stunt double for the hobbits, a role that required meticulous attention to detail and an extraordinary level of skill. Primarily, he doubled for Frodo Baggins (portrayed by Elijah Wood), but his versatility saw him doubling all five hobbits throughout the trilogy. As a scale double, Kiran’s role was crucial in creating the visual effect of the hobbits’ small stature. Whenever the hobbits appeared diminutive in wide shots, it was often Kiran who audiences were actually seeing. This required him to study and master the unique mannerisms of each character to ensure seamless integration on screen.

Kiran was also tasked with training a team of four little people, instructing them in the nuances of performing in masks, movement techniques, and swordplay. This training was essential for scenes featuring multiple hobbits, allowing Kiran to focus on leading roles while his team supported other characters. All scale stunts in the films were executed by Kiran, showcasing his unparalleled expertise and dedication to the craft.

Kiran’s extensive contributions to “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy were instrumental in bringing the fantastical elements of Tolkien’s world to life. His performance not only showcased his extraordinary talent and versatility but also cemented his status as an integral figure in cinematic history. His work on these films exemplifies the critical role of stunt performers and scale doubles in achieving the seamless and believable portrayal of complex characters in fantasy cinema.