Risks are essential, but overrated: Sushant Singh Rajput

By Nivedita

Mumbai, Aug 25 (IANS) Sushant Singh Rajput has never shied away from taking risks be it his stint on the small screen or taking a plunge into Bollywood with offbeat films like "Kai Po Che!" and "Detective Byomkesh Bakshy!". The actor says he craves for excitement in life, adding that for him "risks are essential but very overrated".

Asked about the transformation as an individual and as an actor over time, he said it was "seamless", adding that it is a false perception that theatres to films is a natural progression.

"It's our perception that theatre to films is a natural progression but it's not. As an actor your job is the same. You need to pretend to the level of belief. I crave for excitement in my life and it happen only when I pick films and characters that I can't comprehend completely at first," Sushant told IANS.

He added: "Excitement comes in the process of understanding it. Risks are essential and overrated."

The actor shared his views about the profession with this IANS correspondent on the sidelines of the ongoing Lakme Fashion Week (LFW) Winter/Festive 2016. The actor made his ramp debut by walking for ace designer Manish Malhotra here on Wednesday.

In spite of his injury that he got while shooting for the last schedule of his upcoming film "Raabta", he walked on the runway with complete panache and poise.

Talking about his runway experience, he said: "I have never walked the ramp before, and what better way to make a debut. I have always loved and admired Manish's work and have been wanting to work with him for the longest time. Hence, I feel this was the perfect platform.

"As for the injuries, they are a part of the profession we are in...one has to deal with them and move on. As they say the show must go on," he said.

Sushant, who will be next seen in "M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story", is not scared of fashion police.

"For me, comfort is everything. I should feel good in whatever I am wearing. That's what I would like to tell my fans as well. If one is comfortable in their skin, then one can carry off anything and everything...But again as I said one has to be comfortable and no matter what one will always look good," he said.

The actor made his mark on the small screen with his role as the male lead's brother in TV show "Kis Desh Mein Hai Meraa Dil", and went on to grab the lead role in the serial "Pavitra Rishta". His film debut happened with "Kai Po Che!" in 2013 and followed up with "Shuddh Desi Romance" and "Detective Byomkesh Bakshy!".

He was also seen in Aamir Khan-starrer "PK".

The actor feels that emphasis on costumes in films has got notch higher, unlike past where content was the only king.

"It has become very important lately especially because the kind of films we have been making require audience to completely get convinced of the part and era. Hence, clothes had to be in the same world. It also helps actors to be in the character on set. It works for me," he said.

(The writer is in Mumbai at the invitation of LFW organisers. Nivedita can be contacted at nivedita.s@ians.in)