Randeep Hooda in conversation with Subhash K Jha...

Q: You're supposedly under-going a major identity crisis?
A: Yes. I shaved off the moustache that I had grown for Risk. I almost feel naked without it.Every time I look at the mirror I now see a stranger. But my mother is happy. When she saw me without the moustache she said, 'Mera beta wapas aa gaya.'

Q: Maybe you should've just kept it?
A: No the moustache didn't suit my next character in Ru-ba-ru. I've been assuming a new physical identity for all my roles. I've never followed conventions.The moustache for Risk had acquired a personality of its own. But Ru-ba-ru is a film I've been whisked into. I just came out of Risk. Ru-ba-ru will allow me to live a part of my life on screen that I haven't done so far.

Q: Why did you take so long to do your next film ?
A: I believe in one at a time. I wanted to give my total attention to Risk. I didn't want to be bound by any other commitment until Risk was over. After Risk I didn't want to do a film that required long schedules, lots of violence and an elaborate get-up.

I wanted to do a fim where I could be more my age, more myself and play a character that replicated my socio-economic background. Ru-ba-ru is an aspect of my life that I haven't put on screen before. It's more easily identifiable for the average person than my D or Risk.

Q: Is it true that your role in Ru-ba-ru was offered to Shiny Ahuja?
A: Well, if we're going to talk about casting musical- chairs then let me point out to you that the role was first to me before anyone else. At that point of time I couldn't accept for whatever reason. Then they went to someone else.

There's no point in discussing who was first offered a role. Every project and role has its destiny. Once someone does a film it's impossible to imagine anyone else doing the role. I pay attention to my personal responses to a filmmaker and his offer rather than at where he goes before and after me.

Does that sound selfcentred? My relationship with me is of utmost importance. Because ultimately you're left only with yourself and your conscience.

Q: Ru-ba-ru is your first romantic film?
A: The focus in this film is on love between a man and a woman. Otherwise I don't consider any of my films non-romantic. I find D and Risk also very romantic. You could 've a romance with your thought, or a gun. Ru-ba-ru lets me romance love. It's about living this moment, not today not tomorrow. It's a beautiful thought.

Q: New girl?
A: Yes, Shanana Goswami. She's very sweet talented and apt for the role. Now it's up to her to make the best of her abilities. She has a Kajol-like quality which I hope will translate well on screen. Actually I've had quite a varied assortment of co-stars, from Sushmita Sen in Karma Confessions & Holy to the ghost in Darna Zaroori Hai. Actually the ghost was my most possessive co-star.

Q: Have you found your co-stars supportive?
A: Shanana is the most supportive. We've done a couple of readings. I worked under quite a lot of constraints with my other co-stars.

Q: Ru-ba-ru will be your first film to be shot abroad?
A: You mean besides Karma Confessions & Holy. We're currently shooting in Thailand. Shooting abroad is very conducive to productivity. Because at the end of the day everyone is going back to a hotel and not to a night life. We'll complete the film in thirty days.

I'm very excited and nervous. Because I haven't done my usual preparation for the role. The director Arjun Bali is a sweet interesting chap. Everybody is on-the-ball. I wanted to do quickie this time.

Q: At least you won't look scruffy in this film?
A: For your information, people liked my scruffy look in D. You think people who don't dress dapper don't have love in their life?

Q: The lack of love in your life won't deter you from playing a man in love?
A: That's where my acting skills will come in.