I am lucky and blessed to have Deepika in my life says Ranveer Singh

Ranveer Singh played the role of a happy-golucky guy in his debut film, Band Baaja Baaraat (2010). Since then, he has essayed diverse roles in films such as Lootera (2013), Gunday (2014) and Kill Dil (2014), among others. As he gears up for the release of director Zoya Akhtar’s next, Ranveer opens up about his role in it, working with film-maker Sanjay Leela Bhansali again (their first film together was Goliyon Ki Raasleela: Ram-Leela in (2013), his equation with alleged girlfriend Deepika Padukone, and more.

Deepika recently said that you are the most compatible person she has met.

Yes, I agree. We are definitely compatible and get along really well. Our world view and outlook on life are similar. I am lucky and blessed to have her in my life. She is very special to me as a friend; I’ve learnt a lot from her. I have great admiration and respect for. Her presence gives me great joy.

Are you excited that both of you will star together for the second time in Bhansali’s Bajirao Mastani?

I am quite excited about working with Deepika. After having worked with her, I feel we really look good together and work well on screen. Though I have not done much work with her for BM, to explore each other as new characters should be exciting. Deepika is a pleasure to work with.

After a few light-hearted projects, your next (with Bhansali) seems to be intense and demanding...

I am happy to do it because I wanted something like this to sink my teeth into. After I wrapped up work on Zoya’s film, I said, “I want to work on a hard-core, Bhansali kind of drama that includes a lot of shouting, violence, anger and madness.”

The last time you worked with Anushka Sharma was in Ladies vs Ricky Bahl in 2011. How does it feel to team up with her again?

I was overjoyed when Zoya told me that Anushka will be part of the film. I rate her really high as an actor. The kind of work she has been doing lately is amazing. Since we hadn’t met for a long time, we chatted for hours on the first day of shoot.

What made you take up Zoya’s film?

After doing an intense role in Lootera (2013), I wanted to do something more casual. Zoya’s films are like that — very sliceof- life and conversational. They remind me of movies by makers such as Woody Allen and Wes Anderson, which are quirky and idiosyncratic with urban characters. This is the first time I will play such a role. I always wanted to be part of such films.

Is it easier for you to play lighter roles as compared to intense characters in films?

Definitely, you go into a zone (with films that are high on drama). With me, my character also spills over into my real life. I am not a master actor yet to not let my on-screen work affect my off-screen persona. While working, I get into character completely. So, when I do a film like Bajirao Mastani, I cut myself off from the world, I don’t use my phone, I don’t speak to my parents; even my manager doesn’t disturb me. It’s such a difficult and demanding film to be part of.

Your image is that of a fun and mischievous person. Have you always been like this?

Yes. I am sure anyone who knows me since childhood can vouch for that. In fact, when my school friends see me doing what the media calls ‘antics’, they tell me, “Tu bilkul nahi badla hai (you have not changed at all)”. It’s nice to know that I have been able to preserve myself, and not get affected by all the judgments. Lately, I have been amused by how people think that since I am happy all the time, in reality, I must be depressed about something.

That perception must be frustrating for a cheerful person like you?

Nowadays, when you see something good or positive, you start questioning it. But I am a genuinely happy person. I have a great support system — a great set of friends and family. Plus, I am doing what I love to do for a living. Even when there is a reason to be upset, my natural predisposition is to smile through that situation. I also love feeding off other people’s positivity and energy.