Ranveer Singh gets candid about his anti-hero role in his next film
MUMBAI MIRROR (November 7, 2017)

Ranveer Singh admits he was apprehensive of playing Alauddin Khilji, in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s upcoming period romance, Padmavati. He reveals that he took a lot of time to say “yes” to the film, which features Deepika Padukone in the titular role and Shahid Kapoor as Raja Rawal Ratan Singh. “I’m s**t scared, since I’m playing an anti hero. Only when I see the film will I be able to assess my character. It’s a risky move for me. That’s why I took so much time to sign it,” the 32-year-old actor told Filmfare, pointing out that for a mainstream hero to make a choice like this at this stage in his career is dicey. “It’s a despicable character. He’s mean. One of my seniors, who I believe is one of the greatest actors of all time, advised me to be careful. She told me the Indian audience can be naïve, if they love a character, they transfer the love to the actor playing it. But in this case, if they hate my character, the hate will be transferred to me too.”

But Ranveer couldn’t say ‘no’ to Bhansali. “If I have any standing, it’s because of his films. He gave me Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-leela at a time when my career wasn’t going great guns. He had me play Bajirao, a character ahead of my years. I’m indebted to him. He has pushed my boundaries, got the best out of me!”