New Delhi, Feb 8 Rannvijay Singha says he has reached a point where he can choose roles based on his creative desires rather than solely for financial gain, and he draws inspiration from iconic figures like Dharmendra and Dev Anand, who continued to work throughout their careers.
The actor stated that in the future, he would like to have a diverse career and strong friendships, similar to his admired artists, Dharmendra and Dev Anand.
"I admire people like Dharmendra Ji and Dev Anand Ji who continued to work until their last film. We don't know if their final films were successful or not, but their dedication was admirable. If I can continue to do this for a long time, it would be fantastic," Singha told
Singha's breakthrough came in the early 2000s with his appearance on the adventure reality series "MTV Roadies". He then hosted the show for several seasons, while also pursuing acting roles in films like "Toss: A Flip of Destiny" (2009), "London Dreams" (2009), and "Action Replayy" (2010).
At the beginning of his career, the actor was offered roles that aligned with his real-life persona – "Rocky, DJ, a cool guy, and a biker guy".
However, he has since had opportunities to play different characters, such as a teacher in the popular series "Mismatched" or an NRI in the upcoming second season of "Kohrra".
"Initially, I played a few films. I don't know if people saw them, but the roles were mostly based on who I am in real life. I'm still that guy. But it doesn't always mean playing a character in a film.
"So, when you play a different character, people say, 'Rannvijay has tried to act.' And that's a great feeling."
Now, he can confidently decline projects that don't align with his interests.
"The kind of work I do involves adventure, sports, and hosting. So, I can choose a role where I feel I can act and receive recognition for it. I don't have to worry about that. So, maybe I'll say no to a project that I would only do for money."
Singha stars alongside Mona Singh and Barun Sobti in "Kohrra 2", which will premiere on Netflix on February 11 with a new storyline.
He plays one of the key suspects in the new investigation, centered on the murder of a woman found dead in her brother's barn. Sobti reprises his role as Amarpal Jasjit Garundi from the previous season, while Singh joins him as his senior, Dhanwant Kaur.
"I'm really happy to have this opportunity. And the role is different. Whenever I choose a role to play, I hope that if a fan or someone who knows me sees it, they'll say, 'He did something different or he did a good job'," Singha said about his new role.
The actor is a fan of the first season of the Sudip Sharma-created series and wanted to work with the writer.
"I was very excited when I got a call because I have been wanting to work with Sudip sir. All the work he has done resonates with me. We have similar sensibilities, the kind of stuff we watch. I didn't know how big or small the role was, but I had made up my mind that if I do well in the audition and get an offer, I will 100 per cent say yes, without seeing the script."
Despite the intense scenes and subject matter, the working environment was positive and fun, the actor added.
"It was after a couple of days, when my demanding scenes were over, that I felt instant satisfaction. The first two days were challenging. And I realized the team is very efficient.
"They've already worked together. The first season was successful. So, the team was confident and joyful while working on serious and intense work."
Asked if he feels he is finally in the right place in the industry, Singha said, "For me, every achievement feels like a small victory.
"I was going to the army in 2003. I was going to the academy. And the reason I didn't go is because I wanted to see if I could live an adventurous life, ride bikes, and do that outside of the army. That happened on the first season of 'Roadies'.
"Sometimes I bite my tongue when I say, 'I can't believe that this is our life and our work. Hope it doesn't get jinxed.' So, am I in the right place? Am I in the right profession? Do I feel stuck? No, I feel lucky that I was traveling the world at 21-22, getting paid for hosting shows. I'm getting to do a role, it's crazy. So, are we in the right place? 100 per cent. Have we made it? I think that's a continuous process."
"Kohrra" also features Anuraag Arora, Pooja Bhamrrah, and Prayrak Menta in pivotal roles. It is produced by Sharma alongside Saurabh Malhotra, Manuj Mittra, and Tina Tharwani.
Sharma has co-created and co-written the series with Gunjit Chopra and Diggi Sisodia.
