After a two year lull due to the pandemic, life is more than looking up for Rakul Preet Singh — be it with a string of films set to release in theatre this year or matters of the heart. In a conversation with Bombay Times, the actress opens up about the many exciting experiences she’s been through recently, like reuniting with Ajay Devgn after De De Pyaar De (2019) for Runway 34, which is also being directed and produced by the actor and headlining interesting projects featuring her in diverse characters. Excerpts…

It’s a great relief to be back in the theatre… I’ve been missing it a lot. There have been times when the wait seemed too long, but now I am very excited because of the films that have been lined up for release this year. My role in each of these films is distinct, and they are all theatrical experiences.

Well, if you ask me what excites me to go to the set, then this is precisely the reason — doing something different as an actor every day! If I am stepping into the shoes of a character I’ve never played before, then the amount of work it requires from me gives me an adrenaline rush. Besides, I am an actor, my job is not to just play myself in every film. Having said that, I would like to add that I want to do commercial films as well — the naach-gaana type. A movie like De De Pyaar De (DDPD) had immense scope to perform. I believe I can attain that kind of diversity; I hope the makers see that, too. I have been lucky with scripts that have come to me so far — right from DDPD, Sardar Ka Grandson to Attack and Runway 34. Fortunately, the films releasing this year will give a glimpse into the diversity that I have explored. I hope they will change the kind of scripts that come my way, and I am hungry for that.

I would be lying if I say that I don’t. Like it or not, the box-office numbers define the success of a film. Personally, success, for me, is standing by a good project. However, your position in the market changes with the box-office numbers a film rakes in, even if your role is inconsequential. Sometimes, an actor may have delivered a great performance in a smaller film, but people don’t know about it because that project is not a box-office success. The influx of digital has changed that — the films and performances get appreciated, irrespective of the scale or lack of box-office numbers. There has to be a balance between the two, so don’t decide the fate of everyone associated with a film on the basis of the box-office numbers. It shouldn’t take away from the efforts put in by the director and the actors. We have been through challenging times in the past two years, and the need of the hour is to come together to support every film.

It’s been an amazing experience. I have always heard that Ajay sir is one of the most technically-aware actors. Being directed by him was a novel experience. Runway 34 is not an easy film. He is producing, directing and acting in it… I don’t know how he dons multiple hats at a time. It’s difficult to shoot on a plane and capture that kind of turbulence and emotions. He had seven cameras in the cockpit to avoid missing out on any expression and used a real simulator cockpit. It was a completely new experience for me to see someone directing a difficult film and acting in it. The space I worked in with Ajay sir earlier was a slice of-life film, but Runway 34 is a serious and hard-hitting one, so the temperament was very different on the set.

Why do I have to choose? (laughs!). On a serious note, Ajay sir knows exactly what he wants. He is extremely aware, focused and there is so much to learn from him. He has been in the industry for so many years, so it’s amazing to learn the craft from his understanding of it.

It’s great. I began my journey there and owe my learning and growth to Southern cinema. I also get my punctuality from there (smiles!). The amount of love I got from the industry and people is irreplaceable and to see that cinema flourish makes my heart happy. When I was shooting with Bunny (Allu Arjun) for Sarrainodu (2016), he said that he wanted to put Telugu cinema on the world map. So, when Pushpa released, I called him and reminded him of that. It’s heartening to see them do so well. Ultimately, that’s how it should be. The language should not be a deterrent or the deciding factor. Imagine the kind of varied content these industries can produce as one unit. Only we can do it because we are such a diverse country.

And that happened (laughs!). I think I send my message out to the universe. Love is important in everyone’s life. Having a partner is as normal as having friends and family. It’s a happy space to be in. Why does any relationship have to be baggage? No relationship, whether it is your partner, friends or parents, should give you stress in life. If it’s stressful, then it’s not needed.