A few days ago, Rajkummar Rao gave girlfriend and actor Patralekhaa a haircut, the video of which went viral. She returned the sweet favour by turning into a make-up and hair person cum stylist cum photographer, all rolled into one, for the Filmfare cover star. As they say, desperate times need desperate measures. Since we couldn’t do the shoot because of the lockdown, we thought it would be a good idea to have the star shoot himself and send us the pictures. Also it would be a strong message for social distancing. We must say, we’re rather impressed with the results. Patralekhaa sure did a fab job. If she ever gets bored of acting, she can try her hands at these alternative professions. During the ‘social distance’ interview done via video call, Rajkummar turned philosopher and talked about the future of mankind in the post-corona world. He ruminated on the nature of love and relationships in these troubled times and showed concern about the future of filmmaking. The actor chose to take a sabbatical for the first three months of the year. While that has been forcefully extended much further than he intended to, he doesn’t mind it much. He’s been reading a lot, binge-watching films, doing domestic chores and exploring his culinary skills as well. With Patralekhaa giving him company through these days, he doesn’t mind being cut off from the rest of the world. Excerpts from a freewheeling interview with the talented Mr Rao…
In this first-of-its-kind Filmfare cover shoot, Patralekhaa was your hair and make-up artist/stylist/photographer. Tell us more about that…
Given the lockdown, we didn’t have all the required hair and make-up products. But still Patralekhaa did a great job. She gave me a fine haircut and styled me for this Filmfare cover shoot with whatever was available. It reminded me of our days in Amsterdam while shooting Queen. Patralekhaa used to style my hair there as there was limited crew. I’ve never bothered about my clothes. But Patralekhaa changed that. She urges me to be more creative about what I wear in my day to day life as well.
Since Patralekhaa has moved in with you during the lockdown, what have you both discovered about your relationship?
It’s amazing to realise I can spend so much time with her. There’s never a moment where we feel that we want our own space or we want to do our own thing. Of course, we’ve been together for nine years now. We love doing things together. We watch a whole lot of shows and films. Through time, we’ve also become best friends, which I believe is great for any relationship. You don’t need anyone else. You can spend all your time with your partner. You laugh together. You discuss your passion together. We both love films. We discuss cinema all the time. It’s fun to discuss what we liked and what we didn’t like about a film.
What’s your routine like these days?
Patralekhaa and I wake up around 7:30 am. After freshening up, we sit in the balcony just to smell the fresh air and hear the birds chirp. We read as we have coffee. Later, we start our workouts. We work-out for almost one and a half to two hours every day. Then we cook and have lunch. Later, we watch a show or film together for a few hours. Then around 6:30 pm, when it’s a little cool, we sit in the balcony again. We may have some snacks or we play Ludo with our friends online. That’s also fun. Then Patralekhaa does her cardio because she works out twice a day. Meanwhile, I play my guitar and then do some meditation. We have dinner. Around 10 pm we hit our bed. We watch a film or a web series. Before midnight, we’re knocked out.
How are the duties split?
She cooks most of the time. I help her as well. (Smiles) I do all the stirring. I also whip up some dishes. Like I prepared sabudana khichdi and some dals.
Did you always cook?
Never man! I didn’t know cooking. But it’s not bad… it’s not that difficult. I’m enjoying trying out stuff. But I’m also missing being on a film set.
Any conscious change you’ve brought in your life in this period?
I’m working out regularly. I used to work out earlier as well. But I did more of cardio. Now, I’m maintaining a balance of both cardio and muscle building.
Your dog Gaga must be extremely happy now that you’re home all the time.
Yes, she’s so happy. She’s thrilled because she’s getting to spend all the time with us. I’m sure she must be wondering what’s happened to these people. Why aren’t they stepping out?
You mentioned you watch a lot of content. What has caught your fancy?
Right now, I’m about to finish the series, The Outsider. We follow a daily schedule in the afternoon and at night. We must watch something for around one and a half hour. We finish three episodes in a day.
For someone, who has been living out of suitcases all the time, how has this sudden change been?
After I finished the White Tiger in Delhi at the end of December last year, Patralekhaa and I went for our annual holiday. I made a conscious decision to start my next film in March. I decided to take a break during the first three months of 2020. Then the virus struck. Never did I imagine that those three months would be extended till God knows when. Since the past three years, I’ve been constantly working. This is a break I could’ve never planned for myself.
Are you in touch with your colleagues?
They’re waiting, like the rest of us, for the lockdown to end. I’ve done four films, which are ready for release. White Tiger is a Netflix original, so it’ll go online. But, apart from that, there’s Hardik Mehta’s Roohi Afzana, Anurag Basu’s Ludo and Hansal Mehta’s Chhalaang. I don’t know what’s going to happen as I don’t see theatres opening anytime soon. I came across some articles saying that producers are pondering upon the idea of releasing films straight on the OTT platforms. We just have to wait and watch.
Reports on social media and news channels can put you off. How does one stay positive amidst it all?
I’m not on Twitter so much. I watch a lot of stuff on the OTT platform. I keep myself engaged with reading. I’ve also started meditation, which is a great thing. I believe everyone should do it. I’ve started cooking as well. Patralekhaa has been preparing some awesome food. I help her out a little bit here and there. There were hardly just one or two moments when I was low and felt the need to go out. But then we are all staying home for a bigger cause.
What is the best way to stay calm during these times?
That’s the only thing you can do. There’s no other option. Of course, there are so many people out there, who’re staying alone. It can get pretty tough. I’m fortunate to have Patralekhaa. I can’t imagine being alone but if I had to, I’d do it. I know it’s pretty hard. But you have to think about the future. There’s nothing more important than your life. By sacrificing a couple of weeks or months, you can participate in making this world a better place. That’s the only thing we can do… pray and hope that things get normal soon.
How has this period changed you as a person?
I’m not going to take things for granted anymore. I realise how amazing it’s to spend time with your loved ones. I’m talking so often to my family right now. I mustn’t have spoken to them so much in the past couple of years. I’ve been video calling my brothers and sisters. All this while, I was occupied with work. We’ve been talking about our childhood days. Getting nostalgic and sharing memories is beautiful. At the end, you need to live for your loved ones. Nothing matters more than them. This race that we’re all in… I don’t know why we’re running so hard. Eventually, nothing will matter.
People say the world deserved this break…
Yeah... (Smiles) Now, we can hear birds chirping. I feel nature is rebooting itself. We were just taking it for granted for many decades. I was talking to one of my producer friends last night. He said he hoped people come out of this situation as better human beings.
Once the lockdown is lifted, what are you looking forward to doing?
I’m going to meet my team, the people who’ve been with me for so many years. My hairstylist, my make-up man, my personal assistant… everyone from my management team. I’m going to meet them and enquire about their wellbeing and whether things are fine with them. After that I just can’t wait to go on a film set.
Quote: There’s never a moment where we feel that we want our own space. Patralekhaa and I love doing things together. Of course, we’ve been together for nine years now. We’ve also become best friends, which I believe is great for any relationship. You don’t need anyone else
I realise how amazing it is to spend time with loved ones... I’ve been video calling my brothers and sisters. We’ve been talking about our childhood days. Getting nostalgic and sharing memories is beautiful
I keep myself engaged with reading. I’ve also started meditation, which is a great thing. I believe everyone should do it… There were hardly just one or two moments when I was low and felt the need to go out. But then we’re all staying at home for a bigger cause
Given the lockdown, we didn’t have the required hair and make-up products. But still Patralekhaa did a great job. She gave me a fine haircut and styled me for this Filmfare cover shoot with whatever was available
We work-out for almost two hours every day. Then we cook and have lunch. Later, we watch a film together for a few hours. around 6:30 pm, we sit in the balcony again. We have snacks or we play Ludo with our friends online… Later, I play my guitar and then do some meditation
Loading Next Article...
SHOW COMMENTS