Having firmly established herself down South, Rakul Preet Singh is now all set to make a comeback into Hindi films. Never mind that it has taken this Delhi-born actress four years and over a dozen Telugu films to get her second film after Yaariyan . She has signed Neeraj Pandey’s prestigious project Aiyaary, which means ultimate trickery.
In Delhi for a five day shoot, this self-trained actor, who likes going through spiritual books, whether they are of Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev or the newer versions of Mahabharaat, looks all geared up for the challenges as we interact at Hotel Andaz. She studied at Delhi University’s Jesus and Mary College, where she did Maths (Hons.). Little wonder she is good with numbers as she knows exactly how much moolah her films have made. She has also wrapped up shooting for Ramesh Sippy’s Shimla Mirch , which is still awaiting release.
Edited excerpts:
On Aiyaary
I am excited to be working with Neeraj sir, who makes great content and intelligent films. I am lucky to be working with Sidharth Malhotra; he is one of the best actors we have in the country today. This film offers a whole package. And I am also getting to work with Manoj Bajpayee who is playing mentor to Sidharth, a military intelligence officer. The film has similarities with my personal life as I am an Army kid and the film has an Army background.
On her role
I am playing an IT expert. It didn’t require me to do specific preparation as such although we have worked on body language and how she conducts herself like does she talks too much or less. I have friends in the IT sector and I observed and picked up their body language. These are things we pick up either consciously or subconsciously. In my last role, I played a villager and interacted with people from that particular rural area.
On working with Manoj Bajpayee
I am dying to meet him. Every time you work with a great actor you invariably improve. Acting is all about reaction. He is among the finest actors we have in the country today. I don’t get nervous because then the energy is put into something which is not of any use.
On how she got into films
Acting happened as I started modelling right after school. I come from a non-film background, in Army families, it was all about extra curricular activities. I debuted with Gilli (Kannada) when I was just 18. That time I thought ‘wow I can own a car now’. I was offered ₹ 5 lakh and my pocket money was only ₹ 2,000 then. I didn’t even know Kannada then yet I crammed up the language just the way I mugged my theorems in college. It gave me exposure to learn and enjoy the process of filmmaking. Acting happens when you feel the pain; nobody can make you feel it.
On taking time in getting recognition in Hindi films
Two days after Yaariyan, my second film , I started shooting Telugu film Venkatadri Express because I have always believed in choosing a project, not language. Since then I have been majorly into Telugu; my 15th film is going on. Once things started working for me in Telugu, it was not that I was waiting for a Hindi film to happen. I was clear that if the film is as good as what I am offered down South then only I would do. This one ( Aiyaary) is a perfect combination and a great comeback.
On the world waking up to the strength of Telugu cinema with Baahubali
I have lot of respect for South Indian cinema and now the world has realised with Baahubali that great films are being made there. However, for years we have had exchange of remakes of Telugu films into Hindi and vice versa. The industries have been functionally similarly; it is just that people with non-film background didn’t know about these exchanges. The amount of love, stardom I have received from Telugu films my heart would always be there. It has given me an identity; I was nobody before that.
Having said this, we need to realise that once upon a time cinema was silent; there was no language in its earliest avatar. So why do we have to segregate it on the basis of North and South? Things are at the same level. People appreciate good cinema. When Dangal came in Hindi, the world appreciated it. As an artiste, I am fortunate to be working in different places and learning traits from different industries.
On embracing different cultures
The fact that I changed ten schools before studying in Delhi made me very adaptable. I can adjust in any town or village. I speak Telugu more fluently now. I joke in it and my entire staff speaks the same language. When I talk to my help in Telugu, my parents say, ‘wow’. Telugu films respect women and talent; they don’t want you to be arrogant. The more simple and genuine you are towards your art, the more they respect you.
On playing a female protagonist
Earlier there were hero-oriented films. Now there are heroine-oriented films like I did Rarandoi Veduka Chudham with Naga Chaitanya, which became a big hit. More in the mould of Jab We Met, I played the central character. I watched the film and admired Kareena’s role in it.
On the importance of length of a role in selecting a film
You cannot have the same guideline for everyone. At times, it is the director, at others it is the hero or the script; it always depends on various permutations or combinations.
Today, I wouldn’t ask Neeraj Sir how much is my screen time.
