Rajkummar Rao: “This too shall pass”

Rajkummar Rao Speaks To Subhash  K Jha On Life Post-Lockdown

Why are  you so  reluctant to  speak during the lockdown?

I am just spending time with myself ,Sir, and not really talking about work with anyone because that’s what I was doing for last three  years so just thought of taking a complete break.

How  is  the lockdown treating you?

Lockdown is treating me fine. No complaints. I’m doing a lot of productive work, of course missing acting and exploring a character but we all have to be patient in these difficult times because social distancing is the only way to flatten this curve.

How are  you spending your time?

 I’m working out, watching some great content on digital platforms, little bit of cooking is also happening, practising my guitar and just trying to be in a positive state of mind.

Is  this a time for  massive  introspection?

It’s definitely time for some introspection for all of us I feel. How we can’t take things for granted and how we can’t take our planet for granted. I am reading a lot these days and also watching some great shows and movies on digital platforms.Yes, am working out 6 days a week. I’ve a schedule and am following it religiously.

Are  you eating  and sleeping  more than  usual?

 No, am not sleeping or eating extra as I believe in discipline of life and I try to follow a proper schedule which doesn’t mean that I don’t have my share of fun. I love playing online games with my friends or just sitting in my balcony with my cup of coffee and talking about random things or sometimes trying my hands at colouring.

Your advise  to your fans  and followers?

Our planet is rebooting. Let’s be patient and wait for things to get back to normal till then let’s stay home and maintain social distancing. This too shall pass.

There were  rumours that you were doing Dostana 2.  What are the films you are really doing?

No Sir, am not doing Dostana 2. I wish I could but unfortunately it didn’t work out this time but I’ve immense respect for Karan Johar and am sure we will collaborate very soon. I’ve finished Turram Khan with my  mentor Hansal Mehta  and Anurag Basu sir’s next. I  was  shooting for Roohi Afza with Jahnvi  Kapoor when the  lockdown happened.

How do you manage to stay grounded in spite of all the success that has come to you during the past three years?Some  other actors who started with  you have turned into monsters?

I don’t know any other way. I am who I am. I didn’t want to become an actor to change myself or the way I behave, am an actor because I really portraying different lives on screen.