From the global impact of Indian cinema in countries across the world, to the challenges he’s faced in his career — Ranveer Singh spoke about a plethora of topics at Expo 2020 Dubai. The actor, who was representing the Indian entertainment industry at the expo, visited the India Pavilion, as part of the Media & Entertainment fortnight, where he joined Anurag Thakur, Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting, for a discussion on The Global Reach of Indian Media and Entertainment Industry. Excerpts:

While discussing his toughest roles, Ranveer said, “Every new role comes with a unique set of challenges. (In the film '83) Woh bowling action karte karte, mera paani nikal gaya.”

Imitating Kapil Dev’s voice, Ranveer continued – “‘We here to win, what else we here for?’ – woh lehza, language and everything aside, that bowling action was very difficult.”

The actor added that working with director Sanjay Leela Bhansali was particularly challenging. He said, “It is no secret that the films I have done with Mr Bhansali (Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-leela, Bajirao Mastani, and Padmaavat) constitute the pillars of my career. Stardom aside, he has been able to hone me as an artiste over the three films that I have done with him. The thing with Mr Bhansali is that he really pushes you. He pushes you beyond your boundaries, beyond your limits...and it is only beyond your comfort zone that growth actually happens. He revealed to me what I am capable of. While it is extremely challenging and testing, when you come out of it, it is as a much more evolved artiste.”

When Anurag Thakur wondered, “Ranveer ki itni energy aati kahan se hai? Woh andar se aati hai, ya public se?”

The actor responded, “Mujhe woh hero banna tha. Meri zindagi bhar ka sapna pura ho gaya. It’s so surreal. I am on this stage at this moment representing my country as the face of Indian entertainment, it is an honour for me. That gratitude is that dynamo inside me. Main jo bhi karta hoon, pure josh ke saath karta hoon. No half measures. All in.”

The Minister also pointed out how Indian films have a stronghold over countries across the world. He said, “They ask, ‘Mera Naam Joker dekhi?’ Kab Raj Kapoor ji thay, aur kab Mera Naam Joker thi. Unn logon pe humne (our films) kya impact — kya impression — chhora hoga. Yeh Indian film industry ki bahut badi dein hai Bharat ke liye.”

Ranveer added, “I am astonished when I travel across the world – the kind of (impact) our entertainment has had in far-flung places like Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Sudan... just about anywhere I go. It is not just the Indian diaspora who loves and watches our films, but so many people from across the world. It has themes that people can relate to.”

While discussing how OTT has given the Indian entertainment industry an opportunity to produce stories that can travel the world so easily, Ranveer said, “We want to tell those stories that are universal, that transcend culture and translate across boundaries. Ultimately, you tell human stories that everyone can relate to. Our films are such an important connect with the Indian diaspora too. They feel connected with their homeland through our films, and that’s a great responsibility. The pandemic affected every industry across the world — and the entertainment industry is no exception — but the way we bounced back, shows our resilience. I am very very proud of our entertainment fraternity.”

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