bollywood

Updated: Mar 14, 2019 11:12 IST

Randeep Hooda has not been seen onscreen for a long time - the actor says it was because he was busy with a film “on the Battle of Saragarhi for two to three years, which didn’t fructify”, but refrains from saying on why the film was shelved. He adds, “Ask if he wishes his film was made, Randeep laughs, “I think the story of the Battle of Saragarhi is still begging for a better film despite all the films out there.”

Also read: Parineeti Chopra on Kesari: We joke that I did the film just for the romantic song with Akshay Kumar

Though Randeep’s film never saw light of the day, the subject continues to interest filmmakers — there has been a web show 21 Sarfarosh: Saragarhi 1897 starring Mohit Raina, and the Akshay Kumar-starrer Kesari is also based on the battle.

“The worst things in life teach you the best things. I think I am a better person now. I imbibe a lot of Sikhism and [there’s] a sense of seva, and gratitude [in me],” Randeep added.

He likes to give his “heart and soul to acting” and has done films for “less money and even for free”. He’s also known to undergo extreme transformations for his roles in films such as Sarbjit (2016) and Do Lafzon Ki Kahani (2016). While many feel Randeep Hooda is yet to get his due in Bollywood, the actor isn’t complaining. “You can look at it in two ways – your internal journey, which I think has been a great experience. Secondly, my external journey that’s not in my hands. If I talk about [the fact that] I haven’t got my dues, it’s just unbecoming and uncool,” he says, adding that one should “forget that the world owes you something.”

Randeep is now gearing up for his next film, with Imtiaz Ali. The two had earlier collaborated for Cocktail (2012) and Highway (2014) and the actor calls it a “very colourful association”. “There are some things in common like the love for arts and purity of approach to work. We’ve teamed up again and I enjoyed the process,” shares Randeep, who recalls how Highway, despite the character’s quirkiness, stood the test of time.

Randeep’s career graph shows he seems to be taking it slow and steady. After a packed 2016, he didn’t do a single film in 2017 and even last year, he had a cameo in Baaghi 2 (2018).

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