Not one to waste time–hers or anyone else’s–Rakul Preet Singh joins the interview call on the dot. Daughter to a (retd) army officer and having spent her childhood in several different cantonments because of her father’s posting, discipline is in Singh’s DNA. Her mental agility to focus on the present and not mull over the past also sets her apart. With no ‘big banner’ launch but an interesting career trajectory so far, Singh will soon celebrate her decade-long journey as a part of the Indian cinema. “I always count my blessings; there’s no point in pondering over something that did not exist. I’m grateful for the opportunities I got,” she says. What followed was a freewheeling chat about films, family and fitness–things that Singh is deeply passionate about.
While she didn’t inherit it as a legacy, Singh believes her family made her realise her dream to be an actor. “It was my mother who gave me the confidence to prepare for modelling, and my dad would take calls to negotiate the fees,” she laughs. Singh fondly remembers the videos her mother recorded when she danced to the tunes of peppy Hindi songs! “Growing up, I was a filmy kid,” she says. The actor, whose last release was an OTT film Chhatriwali, has an exciting year ahead of her. With two Hindi movies set to hit the screen this year, Singh is equally excited about her upcoming Tamil film, Ayalaan, which will release around Diwali 2023.
After helming several projects across three film industries, what is Singh manifesting? “What I truly enjoy watching but have not done yet is a love story. So, I’m putting it out in the universe that I truly want to do a die-hard love story.” When asked about the kind of love stories she likes, Singh names Aashiqui and Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge as her favourites. While we were on the topic of love stories, our next question, naturally, was about love in real life. Singh has mastered the knack of keeping her life out of media speculation. “There is no one running around me with cameras and invading my privacy because everything is out in the open,” she shares.
Something about her keeps you hooked; her confidence is charming, but her honesty is gripping. Singh is a people person. She keeps them close, whether it’s family or her circuit of friends. “It’s important to have people in your life who love you for the person you are. Most of my friends are not from the industry, so I cut off from work for a bit when I meet them.” So, how different is Rakul Preet Singh when she is with her set of people? “When I’m with my girls, we do silly things,” she laughs. She believes in surrounding herself with people who keep her grounded. She believes in surrounding herself with people who keep her grounded. However, spotlight and public scrutiny are inevitable for a celebrity. For an actor like Singh, who enjoys a huge following on social media, almost 24 million on Instagram, trolls and toxicity come tagged along. And while the actor tries to keep it unfiltered on the ‘gram for her fans, the media trial doesn’t rattle her now. “It’s not a one-day change but a gradual process. I believe I am stronger than that now,” she admits.
Singh’s passion for fitness is unmissable. The actor is often clicked outside her gym, but not many may know that she co-owns F45 functional training facilities down South. “As an actor, I have less time to spare; therefore, whatever entrepreneurial project I pick up has to work as a therapy for me.” Running fitness facilities come naturally to her, but that’s not it. The actor has recently launched a platform called ‘Starring You’ that aims to connect aspiring actors and upcoming talent with production houses. Besides that, Singh has launched a sustainable diaper brand called ‘New Boo’. “I believe I’m one conscious human being, and I want to make a difference,” she says.
With an impressive line of work backing her, Singh has been able to delight her fans and film critics alike. Her conscious understanding of her line of work sets her apart and puts her in a league of her own.
ELLE India Editor: Ainee Nizami Ahmedi Photographer: Taras Taraporvala Fashion Editor: Zoha Castelino Words:Sukriti Shahi Hair: Aliya Shaik Makeup: Salim Sayed Bookings Editor: Alizaa Fatmaa Assisted by: Komal Shetty,Jade Christina, Twinkle Rawal (Styling), Priyal Varma (bookings)
Production: Imran Khatri Artist’s Reputation Management: Spice.
