On Sunday, people across the world celebrated World Vegan Day, among them was Rakul Preet Singh, who turned vegan exactly a year ago. It started as a month-long trial run, but the actress quickly fell in love with the animal-friendly lifestyle. “I had been a non-vegetarian all my life, but I read somewhere that the vibes of animals being slaughtered can disturb your own vibes. Being into yoga and meditation, one becomes sensitive to such things and even on the days when I was having a non-vegetarian meal, something didn’t feel right,” she shares, adding that she could see the changes in herself after just one month. “I felt happier and lighter. My skin was glowing, and the best part was that I was still eating my staple dal, roti, and rice. My initial fear that vegan food would be high on carbs and affect my weight proved to be just a misconception as I lost weight instead and could still eat more than before by giving up meat. Veganism has been unnecessarily complicated as it’s just eating what we have grown up with.”

On the work front, Rakul has wrapped up a schedule of Sardar & Grandson on Friday. She describes it “as a sweet film with its emotions in the right place” and lauds debutante Kaashvie Nair as a talented and progressive director in her idea of cinema. She’s also all praise for co-star Arjun Kapoor who’s “hilarious on the sets, cracking everyone up, and bursting with energy”. In fact, she goes on to say that his character in the film is very similar to the real Arjun which is why she’d often ask him if he was in character or just being himself.

Her co-star was laid low with Covid recently, as a result of which the schedule was delayed. But Rakul doesn’t see any change in him. “He’s still optimistic, but he made us realise that the virus is not to be taken lightly and certain norms need to be followed in the best way possible.”

Their film is the story of two young lovers separated by the Partition. Arjun’s character takes it upon himself to reunite his grandmother with the man she had once loved. The story struck a chord with Rakul because her grandparents, both paternal and maternal, were from that part of India which is now in Pakistan. “They have passed away, but I have heard enough stories growing up to understand the pain they went through after their lives were uprooted,” she sighs. The actress brightens up at the mention of Neena Gupta who plays the grandma. “She is so much fun, and what a performer!” she exclaims.

The actress now returns to Hyderabad to resume work on the last schedule of her Telugu film, the Krish directorial, but will return to the city in November for the next schedule of Sardar & Grandson. “My other Telugu film with Nitin will also start soon, and my Tamil film kicks off later in the month. In between, I’m trying to squeeze in a brief vacation to bring in my parents’ anniversary. I’m planning to go somewhere with them, let’s see how it goes,” she muses.

The past few months amidst the pandemic have been very challenging for Rakul who insists that her work helped her maintain her mental strength. “Your sanity comes from within and the people you surround yourself with, which includes your family that always stands by you. Also, it’s my work that keeps me sane; I have my blinders on and focus on what needs to be done. Those who know me will tell you that I am a positive person thanks to my yoga and meditation,” she asserts.

Recently, as part of a challenge for fellow actors Rajkummar Rao and Nushrratt Bharuccha, Rakul made a rap video on their song “Care Ni Karda” which has reached over a million views on Instagram. Now, she is open to accepting such offers if they come her way. “It was a fluke, but I love that it worked. I just hope the producers hear it and give me some work,” she concludes with a laugh.