Ranveer Singh Almost Made His Debut With A Small Role In Akshay Kumar Patiala House, Astounded By How Things Worked Out

Ranveer Singh completes a smashing decade in Bollywood and right from his debut film Band Baaja Baraat, the star had announced with his performance that he was here to stay. Looking back at his journey Ranveer still remembers his days of struggle which lasted for about three years till he finally managed to get his foot in the door at 24 and astounded all.

Talking about his initial days of struggle Ranveer tells Hindustan Times, “For close to 3.5 years, I was just groping in the dark, attempting various avenues, trying to get a break, endeavouring to get my foot in the door, doing rounds of various offices with my portfolio, looking for work, but not knowing whether it will ever happen at all. It was very far-fetched for someone in my position to think that I’d get a big opportunity as a performer, to act as a lead [actor] in Hindi films. The chance was one in a million but I still went for it.”

Wanting to make it big in the industry mostly like anyone else, Ranveer recalls how he almost made his debut in the Akshay Kumar and Anushka Sharma starrer Patiala House with a small role, “I was 21 when I started trying my luck and at 24, it worked out for me in a spectacular fashion. I feel those tales are surely memoir-worthy (laughs). I almost debuted in a small role in Patiala House, and nearly did some small budget films that Anurag sir was directly/indirectly affiliated with. Today, both, Nikkhil sir and Anurag sir are probably as astounded as I am about how things started [for me] and how they have worked out.”

A decade later Ranveer has emerged as a bonafide star who every filmmaker wants to work with and it is all based on his impeccable performances. Talking about improving on himself the Gully Boy actor also spoke about the difference he sees in his first performance and recent work. He says, “I have to admit that when I saw Jayeshbhai Jordaar (JBJ), I felt I was watching a seasoned performer. There is a world of a difference from my first film to now. In my first film, I didn’t know the ABC of the process. I was so raw that I wonder how I even got through that process effectively, and successfully. I didn’t know anything. Even though I used to be an assistant director, I only used to do menial work, and didn’t have enough experience being in close proximity with professional actors to understand what it means to be an actor, being on a set and perform in a professional set-up. I was clueless when I started out. But I hit the ground running and learnt on the job, and like I said, ‘every film and director has taught me something.’ Every day on set is a new learning experience for me.”

Ranveer adds that the success of each film empowers him to take bigger risks and explore more as an actor.

Looking ahead, Ranveer full plate has everything from a comedy crapper like Cirkus, a sports drama like ’83, to a historical drama like Takht.