Chhaava's Vineet Kumar Singh on getting love for his role in the film, says ‘I’ve never experienced anything like this or ever close to it…’ - EXCLUSIVE

Vineet Kumar Singh has been loved for his portrayal of Kavi Kalash in Chhaava

Vineet Kumar Singh, who played the role of Kavi Kalash in the superhit movie ‘Chhaava’, is basking in the success of his film and the outpouring of love for his performance.

In an exclusive conversation with Money Control, Vineet Kumar Singh spoke about the overwhelming love he is receiving for his performance. Vineet also said that he had never seen so much love and this kind of fandom ever in his entire acting career.

The actor’s scenes especially with the film’s lead actor Vicky Kaushal in Chhaava are worth mentioning. The climax scene where Vicky Kaushal’s Chatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj converses with his friend Kavi Kalash in poetry has been winning hearts. Vineet says the scene has made everyone in the audience emotional and when he met with fans, especially ‘children came up to me, hugged me, and cried. They thought I was Kavi Kalash ji, and when they realised I was alive, they were shocked.’

Vineet said his poetry is something that the audience loved the most and during one of his impromptu visits to a theatre, he was pleasantly surprised to see the overwhelming love from the audience.

Vineet said his portrayal of Kavi Kalash has earned him widespread acclaim, and he's still reeling from the love he's receiving.

"It feels amazing, I've never experienced anything like this or ever close to it… in my entire career. It's something very different and overwhelming. I just can't describe it exactly, but there's something very special about it. The amount of love I am receiving from the audience... I don't have words for it,” he told Money Control.

Overwhelmed with love 

Vineet said he was confident that the movie would do well but he had never anticipated that it would perform on such a big scale.

"I didn't think it would be on such a massive scale, that I would receive so much praise, and so much love. I hadn't imagined it. But yes, I was certain that we were making a film that would find a place in people's hearts. When I'd talk to Vicky (Kaushal), I'd say that this film has something that will connect with people, and that's exactly what happened. But I didn't expect it to be of this magnitude."

Special bond with Vicky Kaushal from Gangs Of Wasseypur days

Vineet Singh has worked with Vicky Kaushal in Gangs Of Wasseypur and he said from those days the two share a special bond. "Vicky and I worked together on Gangs of Wasseypur, where he was part of the direction team and I was an actor. Even back then, we formed a bond. Whenever I see Vicky's work, I appreciate it, and I must say, he's hard working, a good guy, talented, and sincere. It's great to see him grow, and it brings me joy. I'm so happy for him."

Vineet’s performance in the poetry scene at the end of the movie, where Kavi Kalash and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj converse through poems, is a standout moment in the film.

"That scene you're referring to, where Kavi Kalash and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj converse with each other through poems ... I was eagerly waiting for that scene, and so was Vicky. We both were. While shooting that scene, I was drawing from my personal experience. Before we started filming, I had visited Tulapur, where Kavi Kalash and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj's samadhi is located. I spent a day and a half there, and the feeling I got from being there lingered within me. I also had some videos, and whenever I had time, I'd watch them. I'd think about how that moment was frozen in time, and how I was experiencing it in the present. That visual was etched in my memory because of my visit. Also, Vicky (Kaushal) and I share a bond, a brotherly connection. We developed that during Gangs of Wasseypur, where he was part of the direction team and I was an actor. After that, we've always had a strong connection. So, when we started shooting that scene, I'd look back at Vicky, making sure he was okay, that my brother was holding on. I could see the blood oozing from his body, and I'd think, 'My brother is tied up, my friend is tied up.' For whom I have everything, for whom I'd give up anything without a second thought... seeing him like that would choke my heart. And with that feeling, I'd start the scene. Thankfully, it turned out well,” he added.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Viineet Kumar Siingh (@vineet_ksofficial)

Working with Rashmika Mandanna 

He was all praise for Rashmika Mandanna, who played the role of Maharani Yesubai. Vineet said it was "amazing" to work with Rashmika and fun to have her around on the sets.

"Rashmika (Mandanna) is amazing. In fact, the first scene we shot was the one where all the characters are sitting together, eating. That was my first day of shooting, and Rashmika was also there. It was wonderful, and I had a great time working with her. She's very hardworking and sincere, it was an amazing experience. The energy on set was very positive. Working with Rashmika is always fun. We're always laughing and joking around, and there's always something light-hearted happening on set. At the same time, we're getting the work done, so it's a great experience. It's lovely to work with her."

"I'm grateful to Laxman Utekar sir for giving me this opportunity. During our readings, Vicky and I would often discuss our scenes together. Laxman sir told us how he envisioned shooting that particular scene, and when I saw the final product on screen, it was exactly as he had described it."

The climax poetry Scene

Vineet says his performance in the poetry scene, where Kavi Kalash and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj converse through poems, is a standout moment in the film. "That scene you're referring to, where Kavi Kalash and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj converse with each other through poems... I was eagerly waiting for that scene, and so was Vicky. We both were. While shooting that scene, I was drawing from my personal experience."

A list of upcoming movies and projects 

With Chhaava's success, Singh has a slew of projects lined up, including Super Boys of Malegaon (which released on February 28), Rangeen with Kabir Khan, and Jaat with Sunny Deol.

"After Chhaava, my next release is Super Boys of Malegaon on February 28th. Following that, I have a show with Kabir Khan sir, Rangeen, for Amazon. Additionally, I have a film with Maitryi Movie Makers, directed by Gopi Chand Mallineni, titled Jaat, starring Sunny Deol sir."

Vineet Kumar Singh is just getting started on an exciting new chapter in his career as he basks in Chhaava's popularity.

Chhaava is still running to packed houses and has crossed the Rs 300 cr mark.