Ranveer Singh talks about films and friendships
Most actors do interviews to promote their films, and one often gets the feeling it is something they would happily avoid if they could. But Ranveer Singh clearly enjoys talking about himself and his films. His passion and his personality both comes across as he talks nineteen to a dozen. Right now it is all about his upcoming film Kill Dil. Ranveer doesn't define himself to be a lover; you could also call him a charmer. Even after a long day of work, he is willing to be grilled. Adjusting his hat every now and then, the actor talks excitedly about his movies and the madness behind it. Read on..
From the good-boy look in Lootera, to the moustache and long hair in Ram Leela, to going bald in Bajirao Mastani, you have tried various looks, which is your favourite?
My favourite look is the one in Dil Dhadakne Do. It's a cute boy, sweet boy look. It's not one of the extremes…normal lagta hai, jo main kabhi life mein nahi laga hoon. That's why I likeDDD. I think in terms of aesthetics, look of the actor, characters, cinematography, whatever it is...in terms of style and aesthetically pleasing stuff, I would rate Zoya Akhtar among the best.
Clean shaven look for an assassin in Kill Dil?
Shaad wanted me to be clean shaven in this movie because he wanted me to be a baby faced assassin. He wanted me to soften up, so I had to put on a little weight, which was difficult actually. Over a period of time with me maintaining my fitness level, what has happened is my metabolism has spiked so actually now it's difficult to put on weight. When you put on a little weight your face doesn't look as hard… there's a roundedness to your cheeks. He gave me a katora cut, asked me to put on weight, go clean shaven, everything that would make me look soft and endearing.
After your bromance with Arjun Kapoor in Gunday, you are now paired with Ali…
You have to comfortable in your own skin and have to be very secure to work with another actor. To their credit, both my co-actors – Arjun and Ali – were very cool. There was no sense of rivalry or completion because if you get into that zone it starts showing on screen. And if you do that, it'll reflect badly and you will be caught. In Gunday as well as Kill Dil, I operated from a very secure place. The difference between them is that Arjun has abusiness mind, whereas Ali is only an artist. He doesn't know the first or last thing about business, but Arjun is like an encyclopedia on the movie business. Ali is a fakir. He can survive on food, water and guitar. It is inspiring to see somebody whose artistic integrity is so intact. Has no attachment to money and fame, he just focuses on his art and craft, and you can see that he is happy that way.
Ranveer: a lover or Killer?
Ranveer is a lover…
Go on…
I am a passionate person that shows in my performances. I have always been attracted to grey characters, good guys who do bad things or bad guys who do good things. I find them more complex, more interesting to play. Either I seek those parts out or those parts seek me out, but they are the ones that seem right. That's why it seems right to do a film likeDDD which is non-judgmental… it's not about good or bad. I am very excited about the upcoming year with Bajirao Mastani and DDD.
You are working with Shaad Ali, who you've known for a while...
Yes, Kill Dil is special because it's directed by my brother, my mentor Shaad Ali, whose talent I have always tremendous amount of faith in. He gave me my first professional break in the industry. He has a large contribution in me becoming an actor. At a time when I wanted to give up on my dream of becoming an actor he instilled that confidence in me to keep going. I always wanted to do a movie with him and Kill Dil is that movie and with Yash Raj producing it… it's like my daydream has come true. I am literally living my dream.
And then there's Govinda…
That is sone pe suhaga… He is a legend. No actor from yesteryears or current lot can match his abilities. He is a genuine all-rounder. He is, according to me, one of the most talented actors to have ever graced the Indian screen. I would rate him amongst the best performers in the world like Daniel Day Lewis, Al Pacino, Robert De Niro…I'll put Govindaup there. The fact of the matter is they can't do what he can do. There's a reason why he has got so much of love and is considered a legend. He has shown he is unique and no one can do what he does.
Who would you would kill for?
I'd kill for my family and my close friends.
Your next movie Bajirao Mastani is a period drama. Are period films daunting?
Very, very daunting. Bajirao is being made on a massive budget, massive scale. It has the same pairing attached to it – Sanjay Leela Bhansali, me and Deepika - along with Priyanka. It is one of the most looked-forward-to movies in Indian cinema. I am proud and privileged to be part of it, at the same time I understand it comes with its own set of expectations. It has been in the pipeline for about 12-15 years, and it's finally getting made and at the scale that it's been mounted on…people have a lot of expectations. But I am putting my best foot forward. We have completed one schedule of it. I got into the groove of the character slowly, it doesn't come immediately. It has very distinctive characterisation. In that sense,DDD is easier to do because it's closer to who I am. I am a guy who has had urban upbringing as opposed to a Maratha warrior. I had to change my voice, my body language, my energy level…everything had to be altered to become this character. As we shoot more and more I'll discover more. But yes, it's a pleasure to work with the immensely talented Mr Sanjay Leela Bhansali. He is one of the best directors of all time. The way he indulges his actors is the reason why every actor gives his/her best performance in a Sanjay Leela Bhasali film. Because he is so supportive and gives them so much love and affection that he gives his actor. That's the reason why I didn't bat an eyelid before committing to him the second time around. His films are not easy to do, they are very demanding. Priyanka was joking with me on the sets the other days saying, 'You have some guts to do another film with him'. But I enjoy working with him. It feels like I am contributing more than usual. It's not like I am executing someone's existing vision, which is usually the case. He demands that you create the character with him. He is collaborative with the actor to that extent. And so it's a unique process, nobody ever does it quite like him.
You have shaved your hair to play Bajirao. What were your thoughts before your mundan?
I was nervous when I was in the car on the way to my mundan, but once it was done I felt very liberated. I started feeling like I was another character. It was supposed to happen much later, but I begged Mr Bhansali to allow me to do it the day that I did it. It allowed me to live with my bald look longer before getting on the floor, which would help me in my characterisation. I had to start getting used to it and start feeling like Bajirao before we began shooting. I am very happy with it. I am amazed with what the team has been able to do with the look… Anju Modi and Preeti Sheel, who is doing the make-up.
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