EXCLUSIVE - Ranveer Singh on playing a menacing Alauddin Khilji: I confided in my mother when I broke down

Just a couple of days back, I watched a menacing and terrifying Sultan Alauddin Khilji in Padmaavat who blew off my mind. Cut to the current scenario, I enter the makeup room of YRF studios and a young and fresh looking Ranveer Singh is present over there. His physical transformation has been surprising everyone from past eight years and he will definitely be continuing in doing so.

In an EXCLUSIVE tête-à-tête wit PINKVILLA, the talented actor spoke his heart out about the raving response Padmaavat and Khilji per se have been receiving, breakdown moments he encountered while filming and playing a bisexual character for the first time on the big screen.

Here are the excerpts...

On being appreciated for his role as Khilji

Well, needless to say, I was thrilled to see the response. It was a lot of hard work from past one and a half years and there was a point where our film was not getting the release. So, for it to finally release and get the kind of appreciation for my work was amazing. I took a very big risk with this character, committing to a part like this and the kind of response I have received is very fulfilling. I feel like my work amounted to something and I am very happy about that. 

On breaking down during the filming of Padmaavat

Because of the way things went, unfortunately, we were in a situation where we hadn't shot any of my portions and there were delays in the film and the shooting process that were not in our control. Due to that, all of the work came together and I had to shoot back to back. So, I was shooting 30-40 days straight and it was an extremely difficult process. It was physically taxing as I was shooting for the dance sequence and back-to-back action sequences. One day my voice would go and the other day I would pick up some injury due to action sequences. While shooting for Khalibali, I couldn't feel my legs. It was the shooting process for me which was difficult because usually in Mr Sanjay Leela Bhansali's film, we shoot for six to eight days then we would get a break. But, not in this case, so, for me, it was absolutely draining. On the 37th day, I thought I would go crazy because my mind had turned into pulp and my body into bits and pieces. I felt like I was going to break down and I did. I confided my mother, fortunately, she inspired me to keep going and now I feel like all that effort is worth it.

On playing a bisexual character alongside Jim Sarbh

It was a very difficult decision for me to make because the character was so negative. When I read the part I felt like I have to tap into deep dark places inside me and I wasn't all prepared to go into that zone. I was very apprehensive but Mr Bhansali persisted. He contributed so much to my career and for me as an artist, I couldn't say no to him. I am glad that he put his faith in me and I was able to deliver for him. So, the biggest compliment for me is that he is happy with my work. But, the bisexuality angle, I thought it contributed to the character because it contributed to his menace. In the film, his character is pitted against the people with a traditional moral compass, so for them, he presented a stark contrast and it added to his menace in a way. So, I am very happy with the response that Jim and my track is being spoken by so many people. It was me who suggested Jim's name for the part and for him to be getting that kind of appreciation and our track to be appreciated filled my heart with delight. Working with Jim has been one of the enriching co-actor experiences I have ever had. He is so full of idea and so full of energy. He is so wonderful to work with. I am very happy for him and us as well. 

On working with Deepika Padukone again and finally having a happily ever after climax in the movies

Deepika is a wonderful artist and one of the best actors we ever had in Hindi cinema. I hope to collaborate with her in more films in the future.

On completing eight years in Bollywood

I think along the way I was able to create some memorable characters even to be a part of the films that I will be remembered for a long period of time that doesn't just come and go. I think I am very lucky that filmmakers have recognised my ability and have cast me by putting their faith in me. I have worked with finest talents and it's extremely fulfilling. What I find the best part is that I am able to develop as an artist and I try and better myself every time and also I have been able to showcase my versatility. And I am always keen to do that. In my own estimation if I am recognised as the most versatile actor, then I will consider that as a successful endeavour. I have had opportunities that allowed me to show my versatility as such and I am very happy about that. It is a strange dichotomy where I am patient because I have a vision for my own legacy with the vast body of work with memorable films. My vision is very large and I am very patient in building it but at the same time, I am very restless. I feel like I want to do so much in such little time, but all and all it has been a fulfilling journey and I only wanted to be a Hindi film hero ever since I was a kid and I literally started understanding the world around me, I only wanted to be one thing and I am doing that today. I am thankful to the universe for giving me this opportunity.