Chaya Unnikrishnan (DNA; June 3, 2016)
Rannvijay Singha started his TV career as a contestant on the first season of Roadies and then went on to host it. He also did several other reality shows like Splitsvilla and Squad Rann, which became hugely successful. However, his foray into films with London Dreams was followed by Action Replayy, Mod and 3AM haven't exactly set his movie career rolling in a big way. Here he talks about what keeps him rooted to television, his interest in web series and more.
What keeps bringing you back to Roadies and Splitsvilla?
I was 20 when I did the first show of Roadies. I started my journey with it, I have grown up with it. The show's an integral part of me — all the adventure, travel, meeting people who want to prove themselves, realising their potential... I like that journey and I myself get to do crazy things. I started Splitsvilla with Raghu and Rajeev producing it and then we handed over to other people. Last year, I came back co-hosting the show with Sunny (Leone) and it did well.
Doesn't a feeling of deja vu set in?
Definitely, because you see the same kind of thing happening between two-three people that has happened before. If I was a CEO of a bank sanctioning things, getting a deal done everyday, then it would be monotonous. Here even though I am doing the same thing, I am dealing with different people in different settings and in different countries like Brazil, Australia, Africa, Bhutan etc. That's the reason Roadies is on for 13 years and Splitsvilla for nine years. Every season we give it to a different creative team, which brings in their own personality. We keep changing ideologies and theories and keep it exciting.
Between Roadies and Splitsvilla, which would you choose?
Roadies. But this year Splitsvilla is unique with the theme where women rule. Ours is not a developed country and things are not the same for men and women. Our show being targetted at youth will impact them. I am seeing a lot of contestants who are respectful and chivalrous, the kind women would want as their ideal men. Indirectly, millions of kids watching them will realise this is the way to be with women. Though it's an entertainment show, subconsciously it will be engraved on their minds. In Roadies when I chose my team, out of five people, three were girls - I wanted to show that you don't need boys to win. And this is the need of the hour in our country. Through the show we want to tell the world that women should be treated as princesses.
Who rules your world?
My wife (Priyanka) rules my world!
Since you have been dealing with the youth in your shows, have you seen any changes in the generation over the years?
Yes, now the youth is more passionate about what they want. They are not happy with 'hogaya toh sahi, nahi hua toh sahi' attitude. They want to win respect among core groups, family and friends. They have seen how good their lives can be if they achieve something — they can get to host shows, foray into films, etc. So they are over ambitious and over possessive, but it is not bad when compared to the youth that is being lazy.
While you are a big name in reality shows, why you have stayed away from fiction after Pukar?
I would love to that kind of fiction which has a definite ending. Pukar was only for 24 episodes with a start and end. Also, I have done a few films with Vipul Shah who had directed the series. Even the serial was shot like a film and people like Raj Babbar and Ada Sharma were associated with it. I am not interested in the other kind of fiction shows where the story stretches — even if you watch it after 10 days, you'll find it hasn't moved. I would rather do a web series, which is edgy and fast-paced.
Are you doing a web series?
I am working on it. I have one called Squad Rann which is about adventure and sports. It's aimed at making the youth active. Even my brother Harmeet Singha is doing a series Aisha.
What happened to the film Mango in which you have worked with your brother?
Only Abbas Tyrewala will be able to tell you about it, but yes it was an amazing experience working with my brother. He is five years younger to me and would always be with me. Working with him was like a natural experience though he doesn't play my brother in the film.
Though you were part of several movies, none of them clicked in a big way. Is that the reason you have veered more towards TV?
My first movie, London Dreams released in 2009 and I was lucky enough to share screen space with Salman Khan and Ajay Devgn. I have been getting offers, but a few scripts have intrigued me enough to be a part of the movie. Of course, television is my first love and I will keep going back to it. I am what I am because of Roadies. I have done shows like Squad Rann and Rann VJ Run and I think television certainly reaches a wider audience as compared to movies.