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EXCLUSIVE: Rajkummar Rao on being neglected by mainstream award shows: I have no complaints
Rajkummar Rao gets candid about his movie Bareilly Ki Barfi and future projects.
Whether it be a solo film or a multistarrer, Rajkummar Rao is one of those actors who tends to steal the spotlight with his genuine, honest and hard-hitting acting skills. So, it was a no-brainer to know that Rajkummar's performance in his recently released movie, Bareilly Ki Barfi was loved by the critics and audience alike.
In a candid tête-à-tête with Pinkvilla, Rajkummar spoke to us about the love he is receiving for Bareilly Ki Barfi, his upcoming projects and how content is the only thing that matters to him:
How excited are you for the positive reactions your performance is getting in Bareilly Ki Barfi?
It feels great, of course. It was one of the most fun experiences for me to explore Pritam Vidrohi in Bareilly Ki Barfi. It's a space that I have not really explored before. And now, the audience and critics are liking it so it's a great feeling. I'm quite overwhelmed actually.
Is there a particular compliment for the movie that touched you the most?
So many reviewers are writing such amazing things so I can't really pick one but I think all of them are very kind. I'm in a very happy place.
How was it like working with Kriti Sanon and Ayushmann Khurrana for the first time?
It was great fun working with both of them. They are very dedicated and passionate actors and we all had a great time shooting for the movie.
Were there any ego clashes between you and Ayushmann on the sets of the movie?
No, not really. (laughs) It's all fine between us. We are good friends and admire each other equally. It's all good.
You were awarded the Best Actor Special Mention for Trapped at the IFFM 2017. How elated were you with the honour?
Trapped was a very special film and it was a lot of challenge for me to play Shaurya in Trapped, physically and mentally, both. As you watch the movie, you realise that it was not an easy film. And when people appreciate that hard work and your hard work pays off, it always feels great. It was a really special moment for me, that a really respected big film festival like IFFM recognises the hard work.
Do you feel that despite the honour as well as appreciation from the fans, you've been neglected by mainstream award shows?
No, not really. I'm very happy with the kind of work that I'm doing. The kind of love and respect that I get from everyone, from all around, it's overwhelming. So, I have no complaints and I hope Bareilly Ki Barfi will be a commercial success as well. I have seen in the past as well, with Kai Po Che and Queen, Ragini MMS, Gangs of Wasseypur. Trapped also! It was not like Trapped was not a successful project. It did a decent number; we also have to see what the budget of the film is. Not every film can make 100 crore. So you have to see the ratio and start comparing. Behen Hogi Teri was a little disappointing. But, that's okay. It's part of the business and the process.
Is it a conscious effort for you to balance between content-driven as well as commercial movies?
Both Kai Po Che and Queen are in high content. For me, content has always been the most important thing to decide upon doing a film. I don't really bracket films into an art or commercial film. I read and go with the story. If I like a story and it excites me as an actor, I just say yes to it.
People have been raving about Bose's trailer. How difficult or easy was it to portray such an iconic figure?
It's a huge responsibility to play someone like Netaji on screen. It wasn't easy. I'm not a conventional casting to play Netaji so I had to work extra hard for that. I had to gain a lot of weight, shave my head half, to learn a new language and to get into the psyche of Netaji. There was a lot of reading involved and there was a lot of watching documentaries involved. It was a lot of hardwork that I had to put in to get as close to Netaji as possible.
How was it working again with Kangana Ranaut in Simran?
I haven't worked with her. I'm not in Simran.
There were reports that you are a part of Sidharth Malhotra and Sonakshi Sinha's Ittefaq. Is there any truth to it?
No, I don't know who are spreading these rumours. Someone will have to delete it from my Wikipedia page. I will tell my team. (laughs)
Were you approached to star opposite Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in Fanney Khan?
It was a very initial talk. I won't say anything...I didn't even have a meeting with anyone. I didn't even speak...I think my team or something like that had happened. But, I'm not really sure as to where that conversation went ahead.
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