Rajkumar Rao rubbishes rumours of breakup with Patralekha

There were rumours of a public showdown between Rajkummar Rao and his girlfriend Patralekhaa. Rumours that suggested that the live-in couple have been fighting over her seductive scenes in Love Games, which releases on Friday. Publicity gimmick for the film by someone connected to the film? Entirely possible.

Rajkummar laughs off the reported squabble in full public view in the lobby of the building where they stay. He wonders who is behind these stories and why they are being spread. “The fact is, I am immensely proud of Patralekhaa and I truly respect her as a person and her work. She is one of the most talented girls I’ve met in my entire life.”

The actor, who has just completed shooting a black comedy called Newton, says he completely stands by Patralekhaa’s bold-and-beautiful makeover in Love Games. “She didn’t do this film because it’s a bold film, but because it’s a performance-driven role and because it is for Mahesh Bhattsaab and Vishesh Films.”

The couple intends to get married, though they are in no hurry to do so. Explains Rajkummar, “Right now, we are both busy consolidating our respective careers. Of course, we’ll get married eventually. But we haven’t given this matter that much thought. Marriage would be just an extension of our relationship.”