I keep my life very simple, says Ranveer Singh

As his fans eagerly await his upcoming film Befikre, set to release next week, Ranveer Singh is yet again surrounded by controversies. Whether it’s for his inappropriate comments about his co-stars or for his sexist ad controversy, he continues being in the news. While the easygoing star is known for getting into the skin of the character he plays on screen, one wonders if this nonchalance is a part of the promotions of his upcoming film. In a candid chat, he talks about his film Befikre, stardom and more. Edited excerpts from the interview:

In all your interviews, you seem very bindaas and at times, over the top. One knows you are only acting, so why do you feel that’s the image you want to portray of yourself?
I am like that only. Unless I enjoy something, I can never feel happy. If my biography is written someday, its title would also be Befikre. I love to joke and keep the atmosphere lively so I can feel comfortable. I don’t think too much; I speak my heart but I don’t say things that could hurt someone. All that energy in me doesn’t let me sleep easily. Because I am so wired in the day, it gets difficult for me to unwind. When my body gives up — that’s when I am off to sleep.

You apologised for the Jack and Jones advertisement, but your comment on Vaani Kapoor too was out of line, where you say ‘Vaani Kapoor kisses like a fire-breathing dragon and why do you fart while kissing’?
It’s not as it seems. On the sets too, I keep troubling her. We both shared a very good chemistry. Even Adi would always say — stop fighting and concentrate on the shot. I love to work in a lighter atmosphere. I keep joking with everyone and I feel the outcome is always great. Also this film is a happy feelings-walli film and Adi had asked us to be ourselves and do everything like you’re in a happy space.

If you come to Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s sets, I may never look at you. I am altogether in a different zone. Probably for the kind of films he does, the atmosphere on his sets is serious. The moment I slip into my character’s attire, I am off on a serious tangent. For me, my profession is of utmost importance and I am always looking forward to give my best. What I do between the shots is the space I enjoy the most.

What’s the real Ranveer Singh like?
I am always clowning around. I can only give my best if I enjoy the moment. However, I am also very emotional person, so I won’t hurt anyone emotionally. When I was bedridden during Bajirao Mastani, I used to look forward to getting well soon. Once the plasters came off, every day after exercises, I used to feel happy when I could see improvement. Finally, when I was back on my feet, I was my normal self again.

What is stardom for Ranveer?
With stardom, comes a lot of peripheral things. So I try keep my life very simple. It’s always subjected to my work. I try to focus between cut and action. I enjoy acting and I am glad to have taken it up as a profession. I consider myself to be an actor first. Stardom comes later.

Besides Padmavati, are there any other films in the pipeline?
Right now, I am in the Padmavati space. We will talk about other films when the time comes.