Artist to the core

Jasmine Singh

 

There are so many Rana Ranbirs that can be put in one frame… one sitting pretty with a sinfully infectious smile, the other one staring into nothing, thinking, another one joining words on the stage and thereafter on paper. Actor-comedian, theatre-artist, writer, is a surprise package with a new Rana Ranbir coming out each time you open the box! Already riding high on the success of his one-act play, Khetan Da Putt, based on the tidbits from the life of Paash, Rana talks about everything under the sun.

If I wasn’t acting…

I would definitely be a Punjabi teacher.

First salary, first buy

I got Rs1, 700 as my first salary and I clearly remember, I bought jeans, gave Rs500 to my mother and also partied with friends. It might sound funny, but I managed to save some money, and I didn’t know what to do with that money.

What changed my life…

When I separated from Bhagwant Mann, I think this is when I discovered myself.

Credit goes to…

My wife Devinder Pal; she always kept her demands to herself, she never asked me for anything. When I was down and out, she still didn’t say a word and supported me throughout.

If I am born again

I would like to be born a female and would go through the life-changing experience of being a mother.

Can’t have enough of this director

Anurag Singh; I think I can work with him time and again.

The toughest character so far

Taari of Punjab 1984 was the toughest role for which I had to prepare myself for almost two days. Usually, it doesn’t take this long at all. Taari was a serious role and I had to be very natural with it.

If I had to change something about myself...

My short-temper and tendency of wasting time.

Film I shouldn’t have done

Gaurav Trehan’s Punjaaban.

Writer’s den

20 November is the name of my first novel, which is meant for youngsters in the age bracket of 13-22. The novel is a story about one day — November 20.

If I am marooned

Books, writing material and family photo… I would like to carry these with me.

Up next

An untitled film with Jassi Gill and Gauhar Khan.

Success mantra

DISHA—dedication, improvement, social, humility and artistic.