When Ranveer went off the radar

Ever since filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali cast Ranveer Singh as the ruthless Alauddin Khilji in Padmavati, there has been a lot of buzz around the actor’s look and talk about how his part will turn out to be. We’ve learnt that in order to ensure a perfect performance, the actor went all out with his method acting.

Ranveer became immersed in his character. “His intense preparation involved going into isolation, cutting himself off completely from all social interactions,” says an insider.

Apparently, stepping into the shoes of the ambitious and obsessive ruler meant that Ranveer had to undergo an “extremely challenging process”. The source says that getting into Khilji’s mindspace was “physically, emotionally and mentally draining for the actor”.

Apart from moving into an apartment close to Filmcity, in Mumbai, where the film was shot, Ranveer interacted only with Bhansali, his assistant, personal trainer, and a few key members of the crew.

“Ranveer read books on tyrants to understand the psyche of his character. He also worked out for over three hours daily to look bigger and meaner,” says the insider.

When contacted, Ranveer says, “I put myself under house arrest for almost a month while I was readying myself to play Alauddin Khilji. I don’t wish to reveal the details; it’s personal. But that the entire prep process has been a discovery. It’s extremely gratifying.”

I put myself under house arrest for almost a month while I was readying myself to play Alauddin Khilji RANVEER SINGH, ACTOR

PHOTO: AFP