The dark horse wins

Bollywood buzz

Ranveer Singh is one of the few names in recent times to have made it big in Bollywood without a background in films.

The actor, who announced his arrival with Band Baaja Baraat in 2010, has come a long way. With multiple hits to his credit, Ranveer, whose latest film Kill Dill has hit the box-office, is on top of the world. 

So, how much has life changed in the last four years?

It has changed completely. I have become busier, but that’s just one of the things. I have a lot of responsibilities now. I get less time to spend with my family but I enjoy the attention that I get when I am home. I have money and fame now, though I always feel that money is an overrated thing and fame is passing. However, the biggest change that has happened is that I am a happier person now, and I can give my family all the things that they expected from me.

Do you still get nervous before a film release?

I have matured a lot in the last few years. I don’t get anxious or impatient, and have learnt a lot of things now. I have understood the meaning of being a part of showbiz, and to handle things better, though I have a lot more to learn. Today, I am in a position to refuse an offer that doesn’t attract me. However, somewhere down the line, I feel, a sense of nervousness works in every actor before the release of every film. It’s the audience which matters and it is they who decide your fate in the industry. 
After Gunday, your upcoming film Kill Dil is also high on action...

Kill Dil is an important film for me. I enjoy this genre and working with a set of talented actors was a bonus for me. When you work with a bunch of talented people, it always helps you, as it becomes a learning process. Moreover, Govinda playing villain is one of the high points of the film. He is immensely talented and he will be the one to watch out for in this film. He plays Bhaiyaji, a don from Uttar Pradesh. He is ruthless and all the characters have multiple layers. The story is about tricks the heart plays on someone in love. 

You play an assassin in the film.

It was a challenging role for me. Not only do I play an assassin in the film, I also got a chance to share the dance floor with Govindaji. He is simply amazing. You just can’t match his standards. I play Dev, who is brought up by Bhaiyaji and becomes one of his most trusted men. The other trusted man is Tutu, played by Ali Zafar. The story takes a turn when Dev falls in love with Disha. 

How was it working with Shaad Ali? He is like my elder brother. I share a special bond with him and this film is special to me. Though the role was challenging, I didn’t have to do a lot of research before shooting because I was also involved in the scripting process of the film. So, I had a fair idea how my character would shape up on screen. Shaad involved me right from the time he planned this film. 

You have worked with some of the best filmmakers such as Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Vikramaditya Motwane. Do you feel you have been lucky?

I feel privileged to have got a chance to work with them. They are some of the best in the trade and working with them is every actor’s dream. They all come from different schools and have their own style. Sanjay Leela Bhansali is one of the few directors who always gives his actors a chance to improvise, and most of the time he retains those scenes. I couldn’t have probably played the character in Lootera, had Vikramaditya not motivated me. I completely surrendered to him. Shaad is very particular about what he wants from his actors and he is always full of surprises.

You sport a bald look in Bhansali’s next, Bajirao Mastani.

I feel that’s what every actor should do. We have to do justice to the characters we play. A lot of hard work goes into making a film and I feel it’s the responsibility of everyone involved in the film to make it a success.