My best is yet to come, says Rajkummar Rao

The actor has had a spectacular 2017, but is confident about his future

Four films, a web series, box-office successes and critical acclaim sums up 2017 for actor Rajkummar Rao. Though he has always picked up roles that showcase different sides of his personality, this year was special for the actor as he was appreciated for all his roles — light-hearted and serious. As the year comes to a close, the actor looks back on the year, changing dynamics in Hindi cinema and the year ahead. Excerpts.

Would you say 2017 was one of your best years?

I am happy that people have liked my work. I am grateful for everything. But the best is yet to come, for sure. It’s a very exciting year for me and it is definitely one of the most important years of my career. But I am looking forward to more in 2018.

You bagged a lot of awards this year too. How much importance do you give to award and award shows?

You don’t think that you will win an award for your work when you sign a film. You work because you want to do things passionately. Awards and rewards are a bonus. Having said that, I love getting awards. I won’t deny that.

And how do you deal with competition?

There is no competition. I am here to work and my only competition is my last performance. My competition is probably with someone else’s hard work. If anyone is putting in 100%, I will put in 150%. Honestly, I don’t think you can compete when it comes to art. Art is a pure form and there is no scope for competition as such. It’s not a sport or wrestling match where one person or a team has to win.

But comparisons are inevitable, right?

There would be comparisons if anyone is remaking a film or if anyone is playing a real life character. But we must not just objectify. Of course, comparisons aren’t going to stop just because I am saying, but personally, I don’t think comparisons of any kind should be made.

How important is it for a film to make 100 crore at the boxoffice, as now, it has become the benchmark for success?

I don’t have a number in my mind but every actor or artiste wants their films to do well. I want my producers to get their money back and I want people to come and watch my films. Then, whatever the numbers are, I am okay with it. They’re just numbers and I am not worried about that. I am not aiming for ₹100 crores. We made Newton in ₹4 to ₹4.5 crores but the business almost touched 30 crores at the box office. If you see the ratio, it is a huge success. It is a very technical thing as well but when we see the final numbers, it has to be seen in that ratio.

Honestly, I don’t think you can compete when it comes to art. Art is a pure form and there is no scope for competition as such. RAJKUMAR RAO ACTOR

PHOTO: MUNNA SINGH Rajkumar Rao