Stardom comes with a small price tag: Ranveer

IN HIS EIGHT-YEARLONG journey in the Bollywood film industry, Ranveer Singh has tasted immense success with Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela, Bajirao Mastani and Padmaavat. The actor says this stardom comes with a “small” price to pay.

Ranveer, 32, made his acting debut in 2010 with the hit Band Baaja Baaraat, and since has starred in movies like Ladies vs Ricky Bahl, Lootera and Dil Dhadakne Do among many others which did well at the box office.

Asked if he agrees stardom comes with a price tag, Ranveer said: “Yes, but my point of view is that it is a small price to pay. I feel very lucky and blessed that I’m one of those people who is getting to do what I love to do for a living and I could not ask for more.”

With big and diverse upcoming projects like Simmba, Gully Boy and ’83, Ranveer has no reason to complain. “I’m doing good work, I’ve collaborated with the finest filmmakers in the business, I’m part of some of the largest projects and some exciting stories that are there to be told. So, the work is good.”

“Along with being a professional in showbiz, there are things you have to sacrifice in your life. Your personal time and your sense of privacy. But like I said, the good (counters) the negatives for me. So, honestly, you will never find me complaining,” added the actor.

Always down to earth

With the success and fame he enjoys, how does he manage to keep his feet on the ground?

“Fortunately, I have a very strong support system. My family, my parents, my friends, my team - they have seen me through various phases of life. When they talk to me, they address the person, not the actor, not the star... and I’m very fortunate to have people around me who keep it real,” he said.

Ranveer understands that success and fame are fragile and transient. “Aaj hai kal nahi hai (It’s there today and not tomorrow). So you have to value your opportunities and keep working hard,” he added.

The Lootera star is grateful for the opportunities that have come his way in such a short span of time. And with success, there is also criticism. Ranveer, who has faced failure with films like Kill Dil, Gunday and Befikre, says, “I don’t reject criticism; I take it in my stride and do so quite easily.”

“I do what I do without any ill will and malice towards anyone. I do the best I can. Whatever choices and decisions I make, I am honest to myself. So whenever there is criticism, I’m mature enough to know there will always be an opposing point of view and there will always be disagreement,” said the actor.

I do what I do without any ill will and malice towards anyone.” Ranveer Singh