Rao can’t say no to working with Mehta

Actor Rajkummar Rao (left), who has teamed up with National Award-winning filmmaker Hansal Mehta (inset) for the third time in an upcoming film, says he can never turn down an opportunity to work with the CityLights (2014) director. “Even if I were to do a small role in Hansalji’s film, I’d do it happily. I can never say no to him,” says the actor.

Although he has worked with Mehta twice in the past, Rao did not choose to reunite with Mehta solely on the basis of their rapport. “I didn’t want to miss out on working in a beautiful film. Here’s a story that needs to be told and Hansal-ji can do justice to it. I read the script and fell in love with it, especially with my part, which is so different from the roles I’ve essayed in my career,” he says.

“I play a Malayali boy, who has spent a lot of time in Delhi. His lingo is a strange mix, different from the Hindi we speak in north India. I had to learn Malayalam, and let me tell you it was extremely challenging to mouth lines in Hindi with a southern accent,” he adds.

He is thrilled that the audiences will finally get to see the film. “It’s very important for us to know how our people receive the film. Their opinion is very important. It’s an honour that our film is the opening film of the festival,” he said, and added that the audiences won’t find the film controversial’. “Indian audiences have evolved. I think they’re ready to accept such films,” Rao says.

Even if I were to do a small role in Hansal-ji’s film, I’d do it happily. I can never say no to him

Rajkummar Rao, actor