Exclusive Interview: Prabhas and Vijay Deverakonda are my dream co-stars to work in Telugu- Payal Rajput

Payal Rajput made a very impressive debut in Tollywood with RX100, and made quite a name for herself. Payal Rajput is not only a beautiful face, but also a powerful performer who can mold very easily into any character she’s given. Here’s a very candid interview of her’s, when we caught up with her.

Where are you staying right now, during this lockdown?

I am living with my parents in Delhi for the time being. Also, I am planning to settle down in Hyderabad within the two months, and make it my home.

How has the lockdown been for you?

It was a bit weird in the beginning, but I am enjoying spending time with my parents. However, I can’t wait to get back to shooting!

How is your Telugu, and when can we expect you to dub for yourself?

I can understand Telugu and speak a little here and there, but I still have a lot more to learn. I am hoping to learn a lot when I get back to Hyderabad. It might take a while for me to dub for myself, but I hope that I can do it as soon as possible.

What projects are you currently working on?

Currently I am listening to a few scripts, out of which I liked one. I might sign it soon. Also, I am in talks for a web series with Aha, which I will be finalizing within the next week.

You have done a special song in Sita, do you think that’s why there have been rumors about you doing special songs in other movies? Do you think the special song you did in Sita had a negative impact on your career?

When I did the song in Sita, I was very conscious about my decision. I did the song because I wanted to work with director Teja, and because I wanted to explore myself as an artist, and I really enjoyed the experience. So no, I don’t think Sita has had a negative impact. About the rumors – like I already clarified on my Instagram, I am not doing any special songs currently, and am not interested in any kind of special songs for now.

You’ve seen a lot of flops after RX100, why do you think that was?

People had a lot of expectations on me post RX100, and somewhere, I think my choices faltered a bit. I also tried to experiment a lot with myself. I also feel that the right project for me is yet to come, where I can really showcase my talent.

What are you doing to keep yourself fit during this lockdown?

Every morning I do yoga without fail. I also surround myself with positive people so that I am mentally fit as well, because, in today’s generation, being physically fit is not enough, you also have to be mentally fit to survive.

Speaking about mental health, how do you feel about Sushanth SIngh Rajput’s death? Did you know him personally?

I was shocked to know about his passing, and I was very disturbed. It took me a week to come out of it. I met him a few times at a few parties, but otherwise, I don’t know him personally. What happened to him is inexcusable, and I hope that nothing like this ever happens to anyone else. I just hope that he’s happy wherever he is, and that he finds peace.

Are you in a relationship right now? Any plans to settle down?

Right now I am only focused on my career, and I think I have a very long time to think about settling down with anyone.

How was your experience working on RX100? How have you been dealing with your image from that film?

RX100 is the best thing that has happened to me. I really love the film, and I will never be able to forget it. RX100 gave me an identity in Telugu Cinema, and for that, I will forever be grateful. However, I am not just Indu from RX100, I am so much more to offer the audiences with my acting, and am looking forward to play so many other interesting characters in the film.

What was your struggle like, when you first stepped into the industry? Are you happy with the way your career has turned out to be?

I went to Mumbai with what I earned from my modelling career, and a few days after going to Mumbai, I landed my first job in a Hindi serial. From there on, I have been doing Punjabi films, and Telugu films. Also, struggling is a never ending process in the field of Cinema, you have to continue to struggle at any given point, because that’s how you get better at what you do. So far, I feel really lucky to be wherever I am, and am absolutely happy with the way my career has shaped up.

Who are you closest to: your mother or father, and who pampers you the most?

My mother, she’s my pillar of support, and she pampers me the most.

Are you interested in doing women-centric movies?

Yes, I am doing one women-centric movie in Telugu currently. It is called Five Ws, and it might release on an OTT platform very soon. I play the role of an IPS officer in that.

Your dream co-star? The one actor you really want to work with?

I have two dream co-stars in Telugu. Prabhas and Vijay Deverakonda. I really want to work with both of them, and hope that I will, very soon. I also really want to work with Ramya Krishna ma’am, she’s just amazing.

Which actress inspires you the most?

Kareena Kapoor and Ramya Krishna ma’am.

You received a lot of criticism for doing Venky Mama, and there were rumors that said you never wanted to work with senior actors anymore. What do you have to say to that?

My fans didn’t like me playing an elderly role, and the way I was shown in the film. I never said that I wouldn’t work with anyone. I am willing to work with anyone as long as I have a good role to play in the movie.

Any plans to go to Bollywood?

I am not planning to Bollywood anytime soon. I am happy with Telugu Cinema, and intend to stay here forever. I love Telugu Cinema and Telugu audiences, they are very welcoming and love you with all of their hearts, so I don’t want to go anywhere else.

What’s your most memorable experience from a film set?

I had to shoot in a coal mine for Pilla Raa, while filming for RX100. There was just one shot I had to film, but it was taking a lot of time, and the temperatures were really high, there was coal dust all over me, turning me black. It is something I will never forget.

Who’s your favorite costar?

Ravi Teja

Who’s your bestfriend in the industry?

Raashi Khanna

Who’s the one director you want to work the most with?

Sandeep Reddy Vanga and Teja. I once again want to work with Ajay Bhupati as well

What’s the one role you wish you could have done?

Geet from Jab We Met

Who’s your favorite actor and actress from Tollywood?

Tamannaah Bhatia and Ravi Teja and Prabhas.