I plan to gatecrash Leonardo DiCaprio’s New Year’s party: Rajkummar Rao

Most of his roles have been intense affairs, the last one being in  Aligarh. Rajkummar Rao’s next, Behen Hogi Teri, is markedly different — it’s a light-hearted masala entertainer. We visited the sets in Lucknow and saw him in action. Excerpts from our chat...

What made you say yes to Behen Hogi Teri?

The script. I found BHT funny and relatable. The characters are real and human. I met director Ajay Pannalal and found him to be a great guy. Before BHT and Bareily Ki Barfi, I finished three films that were quite taxing for me as an actor — Trap, Omerta and Newton. I thought of trying something light. That’s why I chose this film.

A photo of you dressed up as Lord Shiva went viral. What is your character like in the film?

My character’s name is Shiv Nautiyal, but people call him Gattu. He is in love with this girl, Binny, who is played by Shruti (Haasan). They’ve been neighbours since childhood. And as it happens in North India, you can’t really fall in love with your neighbour. I don’t know why the practice exists, but it is kind of strange. So the film shows us, how since childhood he is trying to woo her, but he cannot as it is not allowed. Then he joins her jagran mandali, which is owned by Shruti’s family. He starts working there and starts performing like Lord Shiva. He is also studying. So there is a lot of drama that follows, a lot of confusion.

You posted a few selfies, showing off your six-pack abs. Will you be doing that in the film, too? Do we see you taking off your shirt?

No, I doubt if people will be able to see that in Behen Hogi Teri. That was only for Instagram. I’ve always been a sports enthusiast, but never got the opportunity. So I like working out. I like to shoot, then work out, eat and sleep — that’s my life.

You don’t talk much about your relationship with Patralekha... 

It’s as boring as it gets, it’s just a relationship like every other relationship. We have spoken a lot about it during Citylights and now we are focusing on our respective careers now. It’s there, that’s about it.

Reports about your break-up with her made headlines earlier this year. Do such rumours bother you?

No, not really. As long as you know the truth, nothing else matters.

Any plans to get married soon?

No, not anytime soon. I am still a kid.

Coming back to movies, tell us a little bit about more about your upcoming projects.

I think Trap will be the first one to come out. I am really looking forward to that. It’s just a one-character story, so that way it is very special. Then there is Hansal Mehta’s Omerta, which I feel is one of the most explosive films till date. Then I have Newton, a satire, a black comedy and a slice-of-life film, all rolled into one. Then there is Bareily Ki Barfi. In the movie, I play two drastically different personalities, which was fun. And then there is Behen Hogi Teri.

What has been your favourite movie of 2016?  

This Kannada film called Tithi and Udta Punjab.

What’s been the song of the year for you?

It changes every month because there is so much good music coming out. But Ikk Kudi from Udta Punjab.

The actor and actress of the year, according to you?

I think Manoj Bajpayee in Aligarh was really fabulous. From the actresses, a lot of them did great work this year. I haven’t seen Kahaani 2 yet, but Alia in Udta Punjab was amazing.

Three biggest events of the year for you...

Donald Trump winning the presidential elections in America. Demonetisation, for sure, has affected everyone. I remember, we were shooting for Bareily Ki Barfi in Lucknow and somebody called me to say that it had happened and I retorted that it didn’t. But people on the sets confirmed that it did. At the time, I had around Rs 4,000-5,000 rupees in my wallet. But it suddenly changes your perception towards life. The currency I had was just paper by then. There’s really no point taking anything seriously as anything can change anytime.

Any New Year plans? 

I am planning to go to Amsterdam.

One person’s New Year party you would like to gatecrash?

Leonardo DiCaprio’s. I think his party will be a lot of fun. He is one of the best actors we have, so his parties will be great, too.