Roshmilla Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 8, 2014)

Randeep Hooda is in Delhi. And so are his five horses. They were loaded on a truck from the race course here on Thursday night and will arrive in the capital today. However, this has nothing to do with Sajid Nadiadwala’s directorial debut, Kick, for which the actor is currently shooting.

 “I wouldn’t mind doing a film revolving around horses but I wouldn’t dilute my equity just sitting on one,” says Randeep, who intends to take part in the National Equestrian Championship which flags off on March 11, in two categories, show jumping and dressage.

  “With all the shoots and promotions, I haven't got much practice but I’m sure I won’t embarrass myself,” asserts Randeep who has bagged national honours in dressage, adding that the idea is not to just bag more medals though he’s hoping for some. “When my best horse, who has since retired from competition, was in peak form, I had no money to take part in the competition. Now that I have some money, I want to participate. There is no life without sport and no sport without competition,” says Randeep, who has been training with his horses for seven years.

 The horses will be at the Army Polo and Riding Club which isn’t too far from Janpath where he is staying. Randeep plans to wake up by 4 am and train with his horses, followed by another session after pack-up. “I won’t be sleeping much for the next 10-12 days. I’ve told Sajid bhai that I’ll be taking part in the Nationals and he has no objections,” he says. The actor has been earning rave reviews for his performance in Highway. “So many women want to get abducted by me now,” he laughs. Will Kick be as big a kick? “It’s a different film in terms of genre and mounting with a superstar. The film revolves around Salman (Khan), Jacqueline (Fernadez) and me. It will undoubtedly get a bigger audience than Highway. Yes, I’m pretty kicked,” he signs off.