Ranveer Singh is totally a ladies’ man — or so he assumes himself to be — blowing kisses and complimenting female fans wherever he goes to win hearts. The actor talks to Divya Kaushik about his early days in the industry, striking gold with YRF’s Band Baaja Baraat and gearing up for a year ahead with films like Ramleela and Gundey
In case you happen to meet him, let us tell you that Ranveer Singh might come across as the most ‘laid’ (back) guy. He is courteous and hospitable to keep you company on the couch and doesn’t forget to ask you often, “What will you like to haveIJ” The offers seem to be floating in his eyes, mind you, he is terrific in maintaining an eye-contact and makes you feel at home instantly. It was definitely the most cute pyjama (after Saif Ali Khan’s chaddis in Salaam Namaste)- red in colour with some cartoon characters printed on it, that we spotted the guy in, while he was trying to give himself the much-needed rest. After making rounds of various cities, promoting his forthcoming film lootera with his co-star Sonakshi Sinha, the actor found some time for Delhi.
It is after the gap of over 19 months that the actor is back on silver screen. “It is longer than I ever imagined it to be. After ladies vs Ricky Behl, we started shooting lootera. For the first time the set fell off, getting that together took a few months. We went to Dalhousie and while shooting I hurt myself, so for over three and a half months I was completely out of action. Then we again went to Dalhousie there was no snow and the effect has to created, that required over five months. Then we were struggling to find the right release date for the film. Most of the big-budget films were releasing and we were looking at a safe date. So this entire project took a little longer but I am glad that the film has come out well. I have started getting the reviews for the film and we have got four stars, which is outstanding, my performance is being appreciated,” he beamed and stretched himself on the sofa like a little kid who manages to get some appreciation from the parents after putting his heart and soul into a particular task.
lootera is a period romantic drama directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, the director who earned accolades for Udaan. A significant part of the film is based on O Henry’s short story The last leaf, which Ranveer told us he read when he was in class nine and “I thoroughly loved it and it was engrained in my memory. The story plays a small but relevant part of the film. Vikramaditya has added a lot to it.”
The actor, who struck gold with Yash Raj banner’s film Band Baaja Baraat had no looking back, ever since he did his first film. “It definitely is Adi Chopra who deserves all the credit for making me whatever I am today. People told him that he has gone mad and he is investing in the guy who neither has looks nor any standing in the industry. But it was his sole conviction that gave me confidence to pull out my best,” shared the actor, who after Band Baaja Baraat was tagged to be the “macho man” with flirty looks. “People called me Casanova and what not, but I don’t believe in this image thing. I do what I want and like as an actor,” he commented.
Ranveer has been a huge Bollywood fan since childhood and always dreamt of being an actor. He reminisced of the time when he watched movies like Shahenshah, Kishan Kanhaiya, Sholay, Ram lakhan, Andar Bahar and most of Govinda movies again and again. “All I used to do is watch movies and when I told my parents that I want to be an actor, they took it casually, considering in childhood most of the boys either want to become an actor or cricketer. It was after passing my class ten exams that I seriously thought what would I do. I decided to let go off my dream as I was nobody’s son or grandson in the industry. I was 19 then and only people making their debut were those with filmy connections. So I decided to pursue a course in creative writing from Indiana University. I thought after getting the degree I would find some job in a big city and would return to Mumbai when I will be settled. For my love of acting I joined an acting course and one day we were asked to perform an impromptu act on stage. I was scared but it was fabulous and people clapped for me. That was the day I called my father and said I would want to follow my Bollywood dreams,” said Ranveer, who worked as an assistant director with friend Shaad Ali to get an entry in Bollywood. “I learnt I had to get the portfolio and got to know the basics. Through other friend Shanu Sharma, casting director of YRF, got the audition call and I think I was lucky that day to get through. Before this I was being offered and I rejected them. I had an intuition something big is awaiting me,” he said.
Ranveer now looks forward to his films Ramleela and Gunday. “It is just the beginning I hope the year will be rocking,” he signed off and got up to get into his shirt and denims finally.
Photos Pankaj Kumar