JOIN USStarting off as a contestant of MTV Roadies in the first season and then winning it, Rannvijay Singha has gone on to become the tough face of reality show hosting. The actor can handle reality in all its avatars — be it extreme sports, throwing and taking on challenges at new locations, being surrounded by fast and gorgeous women, or tangling and disentangling relationships in shows like MTV Stuntmania and MTV Splitsvilla. And what’s on his plate now? The bike lover is now hosting a Moto and Adventure Film Festival in Mumbai, combining two of his strong loves. Excerpts from an interview:
What about reality shows fascinate you so much that you have stayed with them so long? Now you are hosting a fitness reality show...
Reality shows are very different from fictional TV shows. They are short-lived and have a huge impact. Every day on the set is a challenge. We have to do a brainstorming session for every episode to bring new twists and turns for our viewers and contestants. Personally, for me, it’s a means to fulfil my appetite for adventure. And it’s not the show that fascinates me. The entire journey of each and every episode is fascinating and a challenge in itself.
When it comes to Fitness League India (FLI), it is different as it is not only a competition but provides youngsters with career options. Besides, FLI is also encouraging women to join the Indian fitness industry.
You started off as a contestant on the reality show ‘MTV Roadies’ with a dream to win a bike. Ever since you have hosted the same show and so many other reality shows. Was your perspective of reality very different when you were a contestant?
Yes, it was different because as a contestant, I didn’t have to brainstorm before every episode to bring something new to viewers. Basically, we were there to play and not to devise strategies to make the show more interesting.
You have acted in Hindi and Punjabi films. How does that kind of acting compare to what you do on reality TV?
I always give my 100 %, be it movies or reality shows. As an actor, you invest your skills, talent and time in both, so it would be difficult for me to choose any one. I am happy working in any format if it interests me. At the end of the day, I need my dose of work satisfaction.
Your interests have ensured you have businesses in adventure sports. You co-own the Punjab Minerva FC — how did that aspect of your life take off?
Minerva Punjab FC is known for its youth development programme and has contributed 17 players to various age groups of the Indian national teams over the last two years. The owner Ranjit Bajaj is a very good friend of mine as he was my co-contestant in the first edition of Roadies. I am personally involved in many sports ventures and have a keen inclination towards sports and fitness. I hope I can give the players a little inspiration.
You come from a family of army men and have said you were also set to join the army, had you not won ‘Roadies’. Has not joining the army bothered you?
My dad wanted me to join the army as six generations of my ancestors, including my father, have served the country. But I was passionate about bikes. Even when I was three or four years old, I loved bikes. When I was in college, I had a bike, which was a Hero Honda Splendor. I customised it and made it look like a sports bike. I then went on to win a Karizma in Roadies and since then there has been no looking back.
I started my own company EGO Custom Wheels along with my friend Jignesh, where we customised bikes in keeping with the personality of the person. Taking my passion for bike and adventure ahead, I have started my second company Tapri & Media entertainment under which we have announced our first property: the Moto & Adventure Film Festival. I don’t think everyone gets a chance to live their dreams every day. I think I am blessed.
Why did you decide to create this Moto and Adventure Film Festival?
Through Moto and Adventure Film Festival, to be held in Mumbai in November 2017, our aim is to create a common platform for all moto, bike and movie enthusiasts where they can witness the best of bikes, cars and adventure, and get inspired by watching other people’s experiences. We also want to encourage the best of talent, involved in creating films based on automobile and adventure, and provide a platform to showcase their work and reward their efforts.
It doesn’t matter if they have never made a movie before, but even if they have a burning desire to do so, or have already made hundreds, this is a festival for them. The submission can be new or old; the only requirement is that you be proud of what you have made!