'City Lights' is my toughest film: Rajkumar Rao

New Delhi: Actor Rajkumar Rao, who is teaming up with director Hansal Mehta once again for 'City Lights' after 'Shahid', says the new film is his toughest role so far.

'City Lights' is an official adaptation of 'Metro Manila', Britain's entry to the Oscars this year. "'City Lights' is a very beautiful film. It's my toughest role so far. I recently finished the shooting. It's about a couple who come to Mumbai from Rajasthan for a better life. They face various difficulties in the city and their love story turns into a thrilling experience," Rajkumar told PTI.

Directed by Mehta, the film is produced by Mahesh Bhatt and is expected to hit theatres on May 1. It stars newcomer Patraleka opposite Rajkumar. The 'Kai Po Che' star feels that Mehta has given him a new lease of life in the industry with his last release 'Shaid', a biographical film on the life of lawyer and human rights activist Shahid Azmi, who was shot dead in 2010.

"Hansal is like a family now. We understand each other tremendously. Sometimes, we don't need words to express what we want from a particular character. He is a brilliant fillmmaker and I took up 'City Lights' because of him," he said.

The 29-year-old has garnered praise for his role in 'Queen' opposite Kangana Ranaut. In the film, he plays the lover of Rani (played by Ranaut), who would go out of his way to impress his ladylove.

"I play a typical Delhi college boy Vijay Dhingra. He is in love with Rani for four years. He can do anything for her. He also goes to London for further studies but when he comes back he is a changed man," he said.

When asked if he was not apprehensive to take up the project as the film revolves around his co-star, Rajkumar said, "I knew from the very first day that 'Queen' is Kangana's film but I was not worried at all. I found a lot of scope to perform in my character because Vijay is equally important in the film."

Having started his career with Dibakar Banerjee's anthology 'Love Sex aur Dhokha' (LSD), Rajkumar has always made an impact on audience's mind with his powerful performances.

"I always wanted to be an actor and I am thankful to Dibakar for giving me a break in the industry with LSD. I consider that film my most important one because it portrayed my talent. I don't plan my career because I am a greedy actor. I just go with my gut feeling to choose a film," he added. Rajkumar will also be seen in a fun film 'Dolly Ki Doli' opposite Sonam Kapoor.