My biggest joy is working with Amitji and Ajay sir'

Rakul Preet Singh once again pairs with Ajay Devgn in the thrilling drama Runway 34 after their successful De De Pyaar De De. The film is directed and produced by Ajay, in which he will be sharing screen space with Amitabh Bachchan for the first time. Rakul talks about working with the Big B, and also about her relationship with Jackky Bhagnani.

Excerpts from the interview:

Every actor wishes to work with Amitabh Bachchan. What was your experience like?

It was great working with him. When you start your journey as an actor, you dream of meeting him at least once. And having met him, you want to work with him. My biggest joy was hearing that I would be working with Amitji and Ajay Sir in the same film. Of course, it was a big ‘Yes’ to the script from me! Just to be with him, feel his energy and benefit from the learning of working with him is a huge thing.

Amitji is amazing and that’s the reason he has been the most celebrated star for so many years. He gives the same priority to every film of his. He has so much excitement in him. He reaches the set much before the scheduled time. After pack-up, he rehearses the next day’s scenes and discusses details before leaving for the day. I remember that he was given a 21-page dialogue sheet which was to be filmed over 7 or 8 days, but he memorized all the 21 pages straight away — no actor of today will do that.

How did you prepare for the first day of shooting with him?

I am not the nervous sort. Of course, I prepared as an actor. But he gives you freedom, he asks if you want to rehearse your lines. Amitji likes to read his dialogues a few times, it helps you get into a comfort zone. He loves to rehearse.

How was Amitabh Bachchan off the sets? Was he friendly?

Yes, he likes to talk to everyone. He never takes his job for granted. He is always fully prepared for action. But if there is a 10-minute break, he chats. He discussed the Covid experience and so many other things.

After your relationship with Jackky Bhagnani, how do you look at life now?

I don’t see any change in me. I don’t see why anyone’s life should change. I think the beauty of a good relationship is that neither partner should have to change their life for the other. You co-exist, you don’t change your life. You complement each other. You liked each other the way you were when you met. Why change yourself?

Most actors keep their relationships secret but you were open about yours.

A lot of actresses have disclosed their relationships right from the start. It depends on the kind of person you are. Most of us believe that if you are in a relationship, you don’t need to hide it and say ‘We’re just friends.’ Everyone is aware of the relationship. That's what brings respect to the relationship. It’s as normal as other relationships — with your siblings, parents and friends. It’s a natural progression of a human being. You have your family, and then a partner also comes in. It’s normal. However, nothing should affect your professional standing. We are two individuals who have accepted reality, and that’s it. We are both on our own journeys. It’s better if your partner understands you and gives you space to work. This is the advantage of belonging to the same profession.