I've never followed conventions, says Randeep Hooda

Mumbai, Nov 17 (IANS) Actor Randeep Hooda loves to experiment with his looks. He has shaved off the moustache he had grown to play the cop in "Risk" to sport a clean-shaven look now for "Ru-ba-ru".

"I've never followed conventions," says Hooda, who was first seen in Ram Gopal Varma's "D".

"The moustache for 'Risk' had acquired a personality of its own. But 'Ru-ba-ru' is a film I've been whisked into. I just came out of Vishram Sawant's 'Risk'. 'Ru-ba-ru' will allow me to live a part of my life on screen that I haven't done so far," Randeep told IANS.

Director Arjun Bali's "Ru-ba-ru" is Randeep's first romantic film.

"The focus in this film is on love between a man and a woman. Otherwise, I don't consider any of my films non-romantic. I find 'D' and 'Risk' also very romantic. You could've a romance with your thought, or a gun. It lets me romance love."

Shanana Goswami plays his love interest in the film.

"She's very sweet, talented and apt for the role. Now it's up to her to make the best of her abilities. She has a Kajol-like quality that I hope will translate well on screen.

Excerpts:

You're supposedly undergoing a major identity crisis?

Yes. I shaved off the moustache that I had grown for "Risk". I almost feel naked without it. Every time I look at the mirror, I now see a stranger. But my mother is happy. When she saw me without the moustache she said, 'Mera beta wapas aa gaya (My son is back)'.

Maybe you should've just kept it?

No, the moustache didn't suit my next character in "Ru-ba-ru". I've been assuming a new physical identity for all my roles. I've never followed conventions. The moustache for "Risk" had acquired a personality of its own. But "Ru-ba-ru" is a film I've been whisked into. I just came out of "Risk". "Ru-ba-ru" will allow me to live a part of my life on screen that I haven't done so far.

Why did you take so long to do your next film?

I believe in one at a time. I wanted to give my total attention to "Risk". I didn't want to be bound by any other commitment until "Risk" was over. After "Risk" I didn't want to do a film that required long schedules, lots of violence and an elaborate get-up.

I wanted to do a film where I could be more my age, more myself and play a character that replicated my socio-economic background. "Ru-ba-ru" is an aspect of my life that I haven't put on screen before. It's more easily identifiable for the average person than my "D" or "Risk".

Is it true that your role in "Ru-ba-ru" was offered to Shiney Ahuja?

Well, if we're going to talk about casting musical chairs then let me point out to you that the role was first offered to me before anyone else. At that point of time I couldn't accept for whatever reason. Then they went to someone else. There's no point in discussing who was first offered a role. Every project and role has its destiny. Once someone does a film it's impossible to imagine anyone else doing the role.

"Ru-ba-ru" is your first romantic film?

The focus in this film is on love between a man and a woman. Otherwise, I don't consider any of my films non-romantic. I find "D" and "Risk" also very romantic. You could've a romance with your thought, or a gun.

"Ru-ba-ru" lets me romance love. It's about living this moment, not today, not tomorrow. It's a beautiful thought.

New girl?

Yes, Shanana Goswami. She's very sweet, talented and apt for the role. Now it's up to her to make the best of her abilities. She has a Kajol-like quality that I hope will translate well on screen.

Actually, I've had quite a varied assortment of co-stars, from Sushmita Sen in "Karma Confessions & Holy" to the ghost in "Darna Zaroori Hai". Actually, the ghost was my most possessive co-star.

Have you found your co-stars supportive?

Shanana is the most supportive. We've done a couple of readings. I worked under quite a lot of constraints with my other co-stars.

"Ru-ba-ru" will be your first film to be shot abroad?

You mean besides "Karma Confessions & Holy". We're currently shooting in Thailand. Shooting abroad is very conducive to productivity. Because at the end of the day everyone is going back to a hotel and not to a nightlife.

We'll complete the film in 30 days. I'm very excited and nervous because I haven't done my usual preparation for the role. The director, Arjun Bali, is a sweet interesting chap. Everybody is on-the-ball.

At least you won't look scruffy in this film?

For your information, people liked my scruffy look in "D". You think people who don't dress dapper don't have love in their life?

The lack of love in your life won't deter you from playing a man in love?

That's where my acting skills will come in.

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