With Ranveer Singh, you better expect the unexpected. The actor has often surprised — even shocked — us all with his whacky fashion sense, and this time was no different. At the newly-launched Adidas Originals Fashion Destination Door store in Khar, Mumbai, the Padmavati actor ostentatiously waltzed in wearing neon from head-to-toe, hiding behind geometrical-shaped reflective sunglasses. From talking about his journey so far in the industry to revealing that he doesn’t read, here are excerpts from the interview:
ELLE: You’re known for your eclectic sartorial sensibilities — whom would you say is you style inspiration?
Ranveer Singh: “Though I believe my style is original, I admire David Beckham and Lady Gaga. Closer to home, Karan Johar is a big inspiration. I think he’s amazing.”
ELLE: From all your films, if there’s one character you connected with the most, who would that be?
RS: “All my characters have been extremely dear to me, but I most connected with my role in Band Baaja Baraat, Lootera, Bajirao Mastani and Padmavati. I’m still on the fence about my role in Padmavati — though it was intensely gratifying and fulfilling to play the character, it was a difficult process.”
ELLE: An actress you would like to be paired opposite?
RS: “I’ve always looked forward to collaborating with Alia Bhatt, and I’m happy to say it’s finally happening for Gully Boy. Directed by Zoya Akhtar, the shooting for the film begins in January and I’m really excited.”
ELLE: One life lesson the industry has taught you?
RS: “After 7 years, if there’s one thing I’ve learnt, it’s to keep your focus on what’s important. Keep your head down and concentrate on what you’re doing.”
Ranveer Singh at the Adidas Originals store
ELLE: One actor you look up to?
RS: “Growing up, I was a crazy Hindi film fanatic. All the leading men of mainstream movies, right from Amitabh Bachchan and Govinda to Anil Kapoor, played a huge role in shaping my 90’s childhood.
ELLE: What are you currently reading?
RS: “You’d be surprised to learn that I still haven’t inculcated the habit of reading — and I’ve already got Amir Khan chastising me for that. He highly recommended reading Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari that he said will apparently change my life. It’s lying on my bedside table and I’m going to start soon.”
ELLE: How do you balance out your work life and your personal life?
RS: “Right now, my work is taking precedence, but over a period of time I’ve realised it’s important to keep in touch with my friends and family. It’s admittedly a bit lopsided right now. I know I can do better and I intend to when work starts happening a little on my own terms, but until then, work is my life.”
ELLE: It’s been a couple of years since you’ve been the brand ambassador of Adidas Originals. How did this association come around?
RS: “My first memory of Adidas Originals dates back to when I, as a young boy, enviously eyed my father’s pair of sneakers in the brand’s signature colours of blue and white. I couldn’t wait to fit into them. That memorable moment played a big role when I met with the Adidas Originals team and I was the happiest to be chosen as the brand ambassador.”
ELLE: Your favourite Adidas Originals pair?
RS: “The Superstar 2 and Samba — classics never grow old.”
