The Dashing Dreamboat

Get ready to swoon all over again because our favorite Bollywood heartthrob, Randeep Hooda, is back in the spotlight! From stealing hearts in various roles to enlightening us with wisdom like "No matter how dark it is inside the cave, there is always light at its end" as ACP Agnel Wilson, he's now gracing the cover of May in style. Riding high on the success of his latest film, Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, Randeep knows there's no limit to what he can achieve. Despite facing more lows than highs on his journey, this comeback kid is geared up to deliver some powerhouse performances. Intrigued? Dive into our interview where Randeep spills the beans on marriage, his directorial debut, and juicy behind-the-scenes tales. Keep reading for all the spicy details!

Congratulations are in order for being honoured with Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Award! "Swatantrya Veer Savarkar" seems like a passion project for you. What drew you to Savarkar's life and why did you feel it was important to bring his story to the screen?

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I am very grateful for the recognition by the Mangeshkar family and the Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar trust. Not only is it an honor to be recognized by the Mangeshkar family who are an epitome of art and culture for generations but also a testament to the story told and the persona created because the family knew Veer Savarkar very well Master Deenanath Mangeshkar not only did he do veer Savarkar’s play on stage as an actor, director, and producer but also participated in the inter-caste reforms initiated by Veer Savarkar. Hridaynath Mangeshkar ji was fired from all India radio for composing Veer Savarkar poems into songs. Lata ji felt he was like a father figure who encouraged her to stick to singing when she started participating in other activities. I want to thank the Mangeshkar family and the Deenanath trust (whatever the name is) for bestowing this love and a great honor upon me.

“I feel fashion is more about that image you have of yourself that’ll make you feel cool and more you than anything else.”

Most of my projects are passion projects for me but this one was more so as I was involved in a much larger capacity than just staring into it. From not knowing much about him to living and breathing his life and struggles was a long hard yet fruitful journey that I’m so lucky to have been on for two years.

The injustice done to his legacy and contribution by brushing it under the carpet to even vilifying him as our national discourse through misinformation and false narratives to glorify only one set of people led me to make this movie with a vengeance towards correcting the wrongs and finally reach it to people at large.

Congratulations on your wedding! Marriage often brings about personal growth and change. Are there any aspects of yourself that you're excited to explore or develop further now that you're married?

Well, yes! Marriage is a big change in one’s life and mine came a bit later than most. But as they say, better late than never. I’m excited to be more settled and finally make a home for myself. I’m looking forward to having children and being the nurturer now. There are phases in one I believe and as I have gone from being just an actor to being much more in my professional life, I’m looking forward to doing the same in my personal life.

Can you share any memorable experiences from the set of "Swatantrya Veer Savarkar"?

The whole process of navigating new situations and new roles as I went about making the film was a memorable experience for me. There were challenges I had never faced and which led me to do things I’d never done to achieve what I had never achieved. That’s the only way in life to grow, I guess. Being on both sides of the camera is a unique experience and very few experience it throughout a movie. Also looking at myself as an actor for the first time from a director's point of view has been very enriching. I’d cast myself again and again.

Who is your fashion icon, and what about their style inspires you the most?

There are many fashion icons I admire though I am not a fashion victim. I feel fashion is more about that image you have of yourself that’ll make you feel cool and more you than anything else. I personally like more of classic stuff than the over-the-top experimental stuff which I feel is basically a scream for attention. I do have your attention already.

“I am on vacation and want my next project to be making a home in the jungle with my wife and adopting the flora and fauna there as our extended family.”

What's the most valuable lesson you've learned from a fellow actor or actress on set?

I am constantly learning from people constantly. I hardly pay attention to other actors while working apart from the scene one is doing. It’s more between me the screenplay and the director. While directing actors it is more like dealing with children and you have to achieve what is required. It’s more about the results than the means. This process made me reflect upon my own approach as actor and the means that I take to each where I have to.

What's the most daring or outlandish outfit you've ever worn for a role, and how did you feel wearing it?

I think I wore the most outlandish and experimental in the movie Mere Khwabon Mein Ho Aaye directed by my dear friend Madhureeta Anand. I play this fantasy character in the female protagonist's head. From being Elvis to a gazal singer to Zoro to a cop to the neighbour who turns up to your house for a cup of sugar in Boa, this had it all. I had a blast doing it. It was a very liberating departure from reality.

What's one fashion item or accessory you can't leave the house without?

I could do without anything really but if you have to choose then maybe sunglasses or maybe a watch.

In your opinion, what's the most underrated Bollywood film of all time, and why do you think it deserves more recognition?

Most blockbusters are not real blockbusters anymore. And I believe you can’t just make one. You could try and make your original thoughts and only that can probably be the blockbuster of yester years. If I really had to think on those lines then I would probably not choose anyone associated with the blockbusters so far.

If you could go back in time and give your younger self one piece of advice before entering the film industry, what would it be?

I would tell my younger self to chill a bit more. Say yes more than no. Be diplomatic. Be more kind than truthful.

Lastly, share any secrets and give us a sneak peek into your upcoming projects.

I’m just exhausted from wearing too many hats on Veer Savarkar's biopic. I am on vacation and want my next project to be making a home in the jungle with my wife and adopting the flora and fauna there as our extended family. After that, I am looking forward to just being an actor in movies for a few projects while I finalize my next as a writer/actor/director/producer.

From the May 2024 issue of FHM India.