I'm still exploring myself: Randeep Hooda

It is early to call him versatile but Randeep Hooda is aiming towards the adjective. Those who watched Main Aur Charles felt he was better than the film. Those who praised Highway found him a giving' actor ready to share the shine with the other protagonists. And then he can add weight to shallow star vehicles like Kick. In no mood to fall into a straitjacket, his next is a biopic on Sarabjeet Singh. Apart from acting, Randeep is passionate about horses and recently launched Royal Roosters Polo Club in Gurgaon.

Edited excerpts from an interview:

Do you think audience is increasingly getting drawn to actors who are going beyond regular dancing and fighting in Bollywood?

I think in today's time we are having more opportunities for such roles as filmmakers are coming up with stories which are more character-oriented than regular hero worship. India is more diverse in taste than we think it to be. I have been known for taking roles which were not considered safe' and I think audience is accepting character-driven films.

With your intense roles, you have created a new space in the industry.

It will be too early to comment on this as I think I have not reached that level where I can say it is my space. Many analysts feel I am one of the most unexplored faces in the industry. In the days to come the audience would see me playing more diverse roles. I believe in characters which come to me in the script and even if they are risky, I take them as new opportunities to explore myself. So, I am still exploring myself rather than creating a space.

You have been known for experimenting. Has it something to do with your long association with Naseeruddin Shah?

Certainly yes! Naseer Sahib is a mentor to me. If you see the art side of my acting it is largely because of him. I have learnt a lot while working with him both in theatre as well as in cinema. And he is a terrific horse rider too. It has been long time since I saw him, but I am trying to be his Eklavya.

With so many films projects, how do you manage to divide time between acting and sports?

From my childhood, I have been doing only two things - acting and riding. And at 39, I am still doing the same. So I think I am doing what I like doing which is the greatest thing for me. And it does not bother me to take time out for the thing I love. As polo is one of the greatest sports to have originated from India, I just want to contribute from my side by having a club dedicated purely to polo.

Tell us about Royal Rooster Polo Club and your role in it.

I believe that a person who can control a horse, can control any situation in life. When you are with a horse, you are with nature, so I want to bring people to experience the meditative side of horse loving and this place will serve the people as a weekend getaway along with training ground for children. I believe we all are getting away from nature and getting ourselves more educated with a comfortable life in our air conditioned homes. Apart from being the owner of this 312 acre property surrounded by a picturesque stretch of Aravalli, my role in Royal Roosters Polo Club will be of a horse lover who will give access to those persons who are inclined towards this sport.

What's next?

Our shoot for biopic Sarabjeet directed by Omung Kumar, is slated for next month. I am playing the role of Sarabjeet. And Do Lafzon Ki Kahani, directed by Deepak Tijori,is a love story of a fighter and an innocent girl. It is releasing next year. And for the first time in my career, I am getting to play a Haryanvi Jat in Ye Laal Rang.

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