He stands tall as a man among the many boys in the room as he approaches us with his dynamic demeanor. Randeep Hooda might be the most under-rated talent in Bollywood, but he shines bright and leaves a stark impression with his acting prowess in his latest film Sarbjit. In Bengaluru on the occasion of the World Whisky Day, we catch up with the quintessential alpha male with an unflinching, unabashed attitude, as he unleashes his heart on his work and beyond.
Confessing about his love for Bengaluru, the Jat boy admits, “I’ve come to Bengaluru many times — for my play and movies. Not many people know, but before my first equestrian competition, I was in Bengaluru at the ASC Centre for two months. I trained here under my coach Col SS Ahlawat and lived in the Army mess. We used to sleep late and wake up early; train in the morning, sleep in the afternoon and again train in the evenings. I’m here in Bengaluru this time because of my favourite drink whisky. It’s something one can drink both to unwind and to party. I have a horse called Johnnie Walker who has won many medals for me. I walk him around like a puppy,” says Randeep.
When he’s not on the sets, Randeep explores tough terrains on treks. “I used to mountain climb a lot earlier and have done Simla to Kulu, which was very exhaustive. I have a polo equestrian club in Gurgaon where I go on my horseback trekking the Aravallis. It’s my favourite place in the world. Also when I get time after shoots when we’re in a new place, I always go and meet the locals, to their homes and hang around with them. It’s the best way to get an essence of the place,” he adds.
We’ve seen his knockout performances in Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai, Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster, Jannat 2, Cocktail, Jism 2, Heroine, Murder 3, Highway, Rang Rasiya and now his acting in Sarbjit has been getting rave reviews. “I received a letter from Amitabh Bachchan congratulating me for my performance in the film. It was a real pat on the back as he’s a legend,” states Randeep, adding, “When we were shooting for Sarbjit, Aishwarya Rai told me she’s got so many things to do and I felt, I don’t have a life outside my films. I’m off now to shoot for Sultan and Do Lafzon Ki Kahani,” shares Randeep with a smile.
