Randeep Hooda: Direction was kind of thrust upon me

Mumbai, July 30

Talking about what inspired you to try your hands at direction, Randeep told IANS: “Some people are born great. Some people become great. And some have greatness thrust upon them. Similarly, direction was kind of thrust upon me.”

He wasn’t a choice he “wanted to make so early in life.”

“But once I did it, and gave it everything I had, I realized I had a knack for it. I discovered I had a flair for it—an understanding of it. Throughout my working years as an actor, I think I’ve always been the only person on set—besides the director—who knows the script inside out,” Randeep said.

He believes he makes a “great assistant director.”

“I make a great assistant director on all my films. Not that I do the job officially, but I’m aware of everything. That awareness really helped me in this endeavor. And now that I’ve had a taste of it, I’ll definitely do it again—even though the last time, when I finished the movie, I said I’d never direct again. But that’s never the case, is it?”

Swatantrya Veer Savarkar is a film on the life of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. It is directed, co-written, and co-produced by Randeep, who also plays the titular role of Savarkar. The film presents a detailed biographical sketch of Savarkar from his childhood, including the key events from his life, often in a near-worshipful tone towards its central character.

What has been his biggest creative risk so far?

“All creation is a risk—if you really go for it. I don't know. Risks... I mean, you put yourself out there, you're in a state of vulnerability. I'm never really sure—just as you aren't in life—about how things are shaping up. And I think that in itself is a risk. If you don't take those chances and try to go beyond your previous work, then I guess it becomes boring—for both the audience and for you,” said Randeep, who walked the ramp for 'Blenders Pride Four Elements'.

— IANS