The Asian Age

Marriage on the mind

- UMA RAMASUBRAM­ANIAN actress

Hailing from a small town, Rajkummar Rao has come a long way, what with his movie

being nominated to go to the Oscars. And it seems like 2017 belongs to the unconventi­onal actor thoroughly, after delivering back- to- back successful movies including

and

Now that the actor is gearing up for his web series on the life of Subhash Chandra Bose, a source reveals that Rajkummar has hiked his fees. Quiz him on it, and the actor dodges the question, subtly. “I have no idea about this. You have to ask my team,” he says. “I don’t work for money anyway, so I don’t know where this is coming from.”

His girlfriend, Patralekha, will also be seen with the actor in the web series again, after She’ll be seen portraying the role of Nandini in the ALTBalaji show, a charming woman belonging to the elite section of society, who idolised Bose’s passion for the freedom struggle.

Rajkummar says that Patralekha has actually grown as an actress. “If she asks for my guidance, I’m always there,” he says. “But as an actor, you have to choose from whatever is available. Sometimes you can go wrong, but it’s okay. Now she’s doing well, and choosing the right content.” He adds, “We are thorough profession­als. We did together, and she was amazing. I was happy about the fact that she’s a part of Bose. She’s also grown as an actor. You will see a different avatar when you see her in the web series.” The duo makes for a great couple on and off screen. So, is marriage on the cards? “Not right now,” he grins. “We both of us want to focus on our respective careers, and we’re not thinking about it. Marriage will happen for sure — it’ll happen eventually. But I don’t know when.” Talking about his web series, that will trace the journey of Netaji Bose from an introverte­d 14- year- old to a brave 48- year- old brave nationalis­t, Rajkummar says, “I was thrilled when they offered me this part. I feel glad they thought of me to play this character. To live his life and make everyone believe I was him was a huge challenge. I also feel that digital is the future. It’s gaining momentum and there will be a parallel industry, running with digital shows.”

“If she asks for my guidance, I’m always there. But as an actor, you have to choose from whatever is available.” — RAJKUMMAR RAO

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