The extremely talented National Award-winning actor, and thorough gentleman Rajkummar Rao talks about his film Hamari Adhuri Kahani, that releases today and his secret to good acting.

4_050915033106

Hamari Adhuri Kahani is being termed as a mature love story. What’s your take on that? Tell us about your role in the film.

I play ‘Hari’, a man, a lover, a husband who represents that part of the society which treats women as their properties. Even then he is definitely a lover, because it isn’t that he or men like him don’t and can’t love, it is just that they don’t show it in the same way as others do. Their way of showing love is different. The film is about love. And only love for me. Love, I feel, can’t be judged as mature or ‘puppy love’ as they call it or teenage or childish and so many titles. Love is love at the end of the day. What’s different is the way you pass it on to the other person. This film doesn’t particularly categorize mine or anyone else’s character as right or wrong. I’d say that it portrays the fight between three rights.

How was it working with the film’s team? Especially Director Mohit Suri and your co-star Vidya Balan.

It was a wonderful experience working in the film. Vidya and Mohit were extremely supportive. They both are passionate about the work they do, like I am. And so I loved working and learning things from them. I enjoyed sharing the passion of work and collaborating with both of them. Unfortunately, I don’t share screen space with Emraan in the film.

What is Rajkummar Rao’s method of acting? Can you describe your process?

I don’t follow a particular style of acting. I believe in instincts and in doing what I feel is right for the character, story and the film. I follow my heart. I also think that for the benefit of the characters in the film, the best thing is to be in sync with your Director’s vision. It is important for me to understand what the Director of the film wants out of my character and eventually me, as an actor. Then, I add my inputs and we serve you the collaboration onscreen. So if you ask me what is my method – it’s to follow my heart, to where it leads me to.

The trailer shows you as a wife beater/ exploiter. How did you relate to such a character? How do you see a man and woman’s position in society?

I as a man feel there shouldn’t be a comparison between the two genders at all, because they are equals. Equally powerful and important in their own right. Why compare them and then make one of them stand on a higher pedestal while the other is made to look up to them. It’s outrageous in every sense. I consider them equally capable of all things. The women in my life – my mother, teachers, sisters, friends, colleagues hold very important positions in my life and are doing so much applaudable work that I find it ridiculous and shameful to compare them. As men and women, we need to respect each other and work together to make things better. Comparing is wasting time and senses.

What are your other projects lined after Hamari Adhuri Kahani?

Next you will see me in Hansal Mehta’s Aligarh and Ramesh Sippy’s Shimla Mirchi. I am really looking forward to both. I have thoroughly enjoyed working in both and fine tuning my craft while doing so.