Ranveer Singh on working with Sanjay Leela Bhansali in 'Ram Leela' and being constantly linked to his co-stars

Dressed in a pair of track pants and a jacket, Ranveer Singh is high on adrenaline. The conversation starts with his new film with the actor being at his fluent best. With a short career of two films, he speaks about his share of success, alleged link-ups and upcoming projects.

You are known to go all out to befriend directors. Does networking help get films?
If you are a saleable star with some acting ability, directors will automatically seek you out. No amount of hanging out, meeting at parties, chaaplusi or chakri is going to help. I don't believe in cosying up to get work. I am a bit more intelligent than that! What matters is ultimately your performance. Period!


Your friendships (read Anushka Sharma and Deepika Padukone) have always made news. Your comment?
What upsets me is that I get such news after the whole world gets it. I don't understand why people don't find it important to consult me before writing a report.

I feel I have a right to give my opinion. Some have really upset me. But I don't take them to heart. Now with some good projects in hand, I hope that people start writing about my work as well (sighs)!

There has been buzz about your rivalry with Ranbir Kapoor, Shahid Kapoor and even Imran Khan.
It is not fair to compare me with Shahid, Imran or Ranbir. These guys are senior to me and have done more films than me.

I think this slotting happened because the pundits saw potential in me post Band Bajaa Baaraat. In this industry, every film is important and you are or broken every Friday. Personally, I am not at all competitive by nature.


How is it like working with Sanjay Leela Bhansali?
He's a perfectionist and likes his actors to prepare well before taking on a role. At the same time, he knows where to draw the line in terms of preparedness. It is not easy to please Sanjay Sir as he has a certain sense of expectation.