Rakul: Doing glamorous role isn't easy

Rakul Preet Singh is one of the most successful heroines of South India, and perhaps the most successful in Tollywood.  With three hits in a row, she is most sought-after.  In this interview, the 'Dhruva' girl talks about what she had undergone while shooting for 'Pareshanu Raa' song, what fitness is about and more.  

What plans do you have for the New Year’s eve?

I have been working continuously and deserve to party now.  Not that I am tired.  To me, work is like leisure.  I enjoy working.  But this New Year, I am very particular about spending time and partying with friends.  I have told my director Boyapati garu not assign me work for those three days.  Some 20 of us friends who are in different cities will have fun in Goa. 

Has your role in Dhruva been compared to the original?

'Thani Oruvan' is one of my favourite films in a long time.  But I didn't watch it once I was signed up for 'Dhruva'.  Each actor has a certain standard.  I never had Nayanathara's work even in my subconscious mind while reprising the role.  Nevertheless, comparisons are bound to be there because it's human nature to compare.  One anyways has to give his/her best regardless of comparisons.  For that matter, the track has been changed from the original.  

When you are a forensic professional, why glam then?

Why should it matter when 'Dhruva' is not a female-centric movie?  Unless it's a biopic like a Mary Kom one, it's not required to be so focussed on the female lead's profession.  

You are looking ravishing in 'Pareshanu Raa' number.  What went into that?

When I had to do the song, I didn't even have water till I was done with the day's work.  I had stopped taking anything the previous night.  I wanted to make sure that my stomach doesn't look even a bit bloated.  After the shoot at 6 p.m., they were like 'Rakul ku food pettandi'.  

It's your second film with both Charan and Surender Reddy.  Were you surprised when the offer came to you, as both 'Bruce Lee' and 'Kick-2' were flops?

It feels great to work with the same people for a second time.  I know the working style of Ram Charan and Surender Reddy.  There is a great comfort level.  It was like 8th wonder when the offer came to me.  A pairing may not work every time.  For example, the films in Salman Khan-Rani Mukherjee combination didn't always work.  Nobody is a pandit who can predict the outcome.  

You had dubbed for 'Nannaku Prematho'.  Why haven't you done for 'Dhruva'?

Suri sir said I should dub and I was keen on it. I could have dubbed for 'Dhruva', but I didn't have the time.  I am off late conversing in Telugu, by the way.  

In so short a time, you have become a big star...

You may see it as a sudden stardom, but I have come up step by step.  It didn't happen overnight.  I started of doing not-so-big movies.  I enjoy standing in front of the camera and do my work.  I am not bothered about glamorous versus performance-oriented roles.   People think it's easy to do glamorous roles, but it's not.  It's very difficult.  Sometimes, doing a deglam role may be easier.  

Has stardom made you more self-conscious?

Once I am done with the day's work, I am as casual as casual can get  I am like any ordinary girl, not particular about fashion, etc.  It's only when you step out that you have to look in a particular way if you are a celeb.  

How did you miss out on Vishal's movie?

The film with Vishal had to go on the floors in May, but it got delayed.  By the time they were ready in September, I had signed up Mahesh Babu sir's movie.  I am doing Karthi's movie in Tamil.  

What are your upcoming projects?

I currently have five films on hand.  The AR Murugadoss-Mahesh Babu movie, Boyapati Srinu's movie, Sai Dharam Tej's 'Winner', Naga Chaitanya-Kalyan Krishna's movie, and Karthi's movie.  The character in Chaitanya's movie is so beautiful that I didn't want to miss it at any cost.  I told my manager to make it sure I am doing the movie.  It's as great as Kareena Kapoor's character in 'Jab We Met'.  In 'Winner', I am playing an athlete.  I want to do a hardcore romantic movie like 'Aashique'.
  
Fitness is your big interest.  How do you see that?

I am into reading about fitness whenever I find time.  If you give me something on plate, I can tell you how many calories are there in the items.  There is a wrong notion that fitness means to be on diet.  I hate the word diet.  Eat home food and healthy food.