Sometimes, I feel I’m crazy, says Ranveer
The actor says even he doesn’t know who the real Ranveer is, and that he is also in the “process of exploring” himself
Unstinted energy could have easily been his middle name. Ranveer Singh lived up to his lively avatar when he made a stylish entry into the Hindustan Times office, with his boom box blaring songs from his upcoming film, Befikre. Even as Vaani
Kapoor (right) played the demure, coy girl perfectly, Ranveer — wearing a monogrammed hoodie that read ‘R for Ranveer’ — brought the house down with his don’t-give-a-damn attitude and his scores of fans.
Do you always make an entry with such pomp and show?
Ranveer: As a kid, I used to watch WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) and would see the wrestler, The Rock, enter the arena with his theme music. So, I decided that when I grew up, I would also do that. So, I might forget to wear my underwear, but I’ll never leave the boom box behind (laughs).
Vaani, is it a challenge to match up to his stardom and energy levels?
Vaani: I can’t match his stardom, as I am new [in the industry]. But I am enjoying the process, as he is a brilliant actor to work with. I am counting my blessings and not trying to match up to anyone. I’m trying to live up to the expectations of my audience and my director.
Ranveer: Vaani is a sweet and simple girl.
Vaani: I am not and I hate it when you say that.
This film is very different from any that Aditya Chopra has ever made...
Ranveer: His range is incredible. He makes Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi (2008) and then he comes up with a feisty film like this one, with wicked humour. It’s Adi 2.0 (smiles). This film is a representative of today’s times and the youth’s take on relationships these days.
Is it too stressful to live up to the image you have created for yourself? Who is the real Ranveer?
Ranveer: Even I don’t know who the real Ranveer is, as even I am going through the constant process of exploring who I am. Sometimes, I feel I am crazy and have some sort of personality disorder (laughs). There’s no pressure to keep it up, as it [my image] is not designed or calculated. A couple of years ago, I realised that it is taxing and takes too much effort to do things by design. In my first two years in the industry, I wasn’t like this. But then, it dawned on me that this is a better, simpler way of being. It has become so easy; I say and do whatever I want.
About a couple of years ago, I realised that it is too taxing and it takes too much effort to do things by design. RANVEER SINGH, ACTOR
Vaani, were you aware that Ranveer Singh will be cast opposite you?
Vaani (right): I was asked to guess who would be opposite me. As per the narrations, I guessed it was Ranveer. I could totally see Ranveer play the part. And my guess was right (smiles).
Ranveer: Befikre has been written incredibly and all credit goes to Adi (Aditya Chopra) sir for this. I have never seen anything like that in a Hindi film before. It is a completely fresh character. It is a quintessential romantic comedy. It doesn’t fall into the trappings of emotions and soppiness.
Were you ever scared that the film could go wrong?
Ranveer: I think Adi sir himself was petrified about what he was making. It is not what you expect of him, but that’s why he was doubly excited to shoot the film.
Vaani: I could never doubt Adi sir’s intentions or his vision. I was only happy that I was getting to be in his movie. It will always be a big deal for me. As an audience, I am a big fan of his world of cinema.
Ranveer, how has your equation been with Aditya Chopra — from being your mentor to your director?
Ranveer: I did discover Adi sir in a very different way this time. This time, it was director-actor dynamic. It is very special. The kind of time you spend and the kind of conversations you have in that dynamic is a lot more than mentor and protégé. I discovered a lot more about this fascinating human being.
After Bajirao Mastani (2015) did this film come as a breather for you?
Ranveer: Yes, it was exactly what the doctor ordered. Between Bajirao Mastani and Padmavati, I had to do a light film or I would have gone mad. I didn’t have to overthink or over prepare, everything just flowed. I was very happy to work in this light film as God knows that Bajirao Mastani took a lot out of me and Padmavati is all the more demanding.
You have said that you often go into a shell…
Yes, I think when I go out and meet people, I love it and I am fascinated by people. But at the end of the day, when work is done, I like to spend time with myself. Even in a day, there are two extremes and then at some point in a year, I want to take a break and don’t want to have anything to do with anyone. I enjoy going under the radar. It rejuvenates me.
I want to take a break and don’t want to have anything to do with anyone. I enjoy going under
the radar. RANVEER SINGH, ACTOR