Ranveer Singh talks about his struggle and on playing a Delhi boy

Casting Coup

Soon after college,I did what most struggling actors do. I made my portfolio and went around meeting producers,directors and casting directors,in the hope that they would cast me in their next project. Around that time,I received a call from Yash Raj Films. The person on the line said that he wanted me to audition for a role. I went for the auditions and landed the role of the lead actor. I always thought that it was the director who cast me. But,recently Adi-sir (Aditya Chopra) told me that after my audition,he was the one who was convinced that he had found his Bittoo Sharma. He also revealed that it took two weeks of gruelling screen-tests before my director found his Bittoo in me.

Stepping-Stone

I have always wanted to become an actor. Around the time I was in the tenth standard,I suddenly realised that I would have to give up my dream of becoming an actor,as I had no filmi background. Disappointed,I then pursued my second passion –– creative writing. Later,while I was in college,I was asked to stage a performance. While preparing for the act,I realised that I had made a terrible mistake deciding to give up acting. I then joined a theatre group in Mumbai. Later I also worked as an assistant director with Shaad Ali,of Saathiya fame. I assisted him on a couple of advertisements. It was around that time that I got more hands-on experience on the sets and understood the process of film-making better.

First Shot

It was a simple shot wherein I had to walk a couple of steps and say a line. But,at that time I was so nervous that it felt like the most difficult thing to do in the world. I got the shot right only on the third take.

Stumbling-Block

I joined a well-known theatre group in Mumbai so that I would get a chance to act. But,unfortunately things did not work out as expected. I had to do all the backstage work and was also made to get chai for the actors. The experience was very disappointing.

Lessons Learnt

My learning curve just shot through the roof in the last one year. Just being on the sets teaches you so much about life and acting.

Matinee Idol

There are so many talented actors and directors in Bollywood that I would want to work with as many as possible. I’m sure there is something for me to learn from all of them. I have always looked up to Amitabh Bachchan as one of the finest actors. I would love to work with him at some point in my career.

Future Projects

For now,I just want to concentrate on promoting Band Baaja Baaraat. I have taken a conscious decision not to read any scripts till the release. I am of the opinion that once the film releases my options will get better.