Feeling at home with the legends

Rakul Preet Singh on creating life-long memories working with Ajay Devgn and Amitabh Bachchan in Runway 34

She may be in her 30s, but that doesn’t stop Rakul Preet Singh from seeking her parents’ opinion before signing a project. The actor hopes to do films that “I can watch with my parents”. “Ultimately, I want to be proud of all the films [I do even] 10 years down the line,” says Singh as she eagerly awaits the release of the Ajay Devgn-directorial film, Runway 34 on April 29.

Ajay Devgn and Amitabh Bachchan in Runway 34. Pics/Instagram

Having worked with Devgn in De De Pyaar De (2019), Singh was only thrilled to recreate her equation with the actor-director in the thriller. “I was excited by the script. The opportunity to work with Amitabh Bachchan and Ajay sir as a director [only sealed my decision],” beams Singh, who plays the character of Captain Tanya in the film. Singh understands that making a VFX-heavy film like Runway 34 is no cakewalk. “Runway 34 is not your quintessential Hindi film. Ajay sir would first set the scene, do multiple rehearsals, change his costume, do his scenes as an actor, and then check the monitor to see everyone’s performance as a director. It was a new experience to witness this kind of effort, focus, dedication, and technical brilliance.”

Sharing screen space with Big B is a moment that will forever be etched in Singh’s mind. Commending on Bachchan’s passion for work, she says, “He has childlike energy. He treats every day as his first day of the shoot. He is always before time and is never in any hurry to go home after pack-up. Instead, he wants to rehearse scenes for the next day. His passion for work is unparalleled. It reiterates the fact that you need to love your job and be grateful at every point.” Recollecting the shooting schedule when Bachchan gave her three glass jars of nuts and dry fruits because she didn’t eat biscuits, she says, “My help washed the jars, decorated them, and kept them as a memento. The girl in me will always be in awe of the person he is.”

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