The Rajasthan-based Miss Universal Peace and Humanity 2014 Ruhi Singh, who made an impressive Bollywood debut with Madhur Bhandarkar’s Calendar Girls (2015) is excited about her entry into K’town with cinematographer-actor Natarajan Subramaniam-starrer Bongu. She tells City Express that it’s a road film which revolves around the lives of four car thieves.
“I play the role of a car hacker and Rolls Royce forms an important part of the story,” she says, who loves cars. “My passion for cars grew so much so that I became a car maniac! I can drive almost all of them. In the film, more than 25 types of expensive cars have been used. I am sure this will appeal to all sections of the audience,” she adds. The film has been shot extensively in and around Chennai, Mumbai, Dindigul, Ahmedabad and Madurai.
Ruhi knew this film was cut out for her as soon as she listened to the script. “I am trained in kung fu and I got to showcase my action skills too. I enjoyed being a part of the film,” she smiles. Patience, perseverance and faith landed her with a ‘superb chance’ in Bongu, and she feels that she couldn’t have got a better opportunity than this. “It has taken quite some time to get a role that I wanted but I was confident,” she says.
Quiz her on how she managed without knowing Tamil and she says, “It was difficult and interesting too. As an actor, it was taxing. But as a learner, I found it challenging. I am a workaholic and I know how to nullify the stress.”A trained belly dancer, Ruhi says she didn’t plan to enter the film industry. Since her childhood, she had loved the spotlight. “I wanted to be an international singing sensation while in school. I love to rap and sing. I write songs too,” she shares.
Speaking about her co-star Natarajan aka Natty, she’s aware of his work as a cameraman in Bollywood. “That way he’s not a stranger to me. When we were working together, he taught me techniques of cinematography,” she adds.
Bongu also stars Pooja Bisht, Kishore, Atul Kulkarni and Sharath Lohitashwa in pivotal roles. “This is a multi-starrer, and it was fun working with them. There were no catfights or disagreements. I have been open to learning from people, imbibe their positive energy and good qualities,” she says.
Ruhi misses her family and Brian, her pet, when she is out shooting. She has learnt to manange and make time out for them. “I look up to Priyanka Chopra and Kangana Ranaut and want to be like them. They are some of the best performers. I would love to be a part of sci-fi films,” she elaborates.
The pretty lady is determined to do more projects down south, and has been reading scripts. Her priority is versatility, and not numbers. “I don’t mind waiting for good roles,” she says.
Ruhi was all praise for the actors and technicians here. “I don’t know anyone in the south, except my manager, but I like the warmth of the people. The industry functions in an organised and professional way,” she says.
And as any other non-Chennaiite, Ruhi too is fond of South Indian dishes. “I love the food here. Dosa is my favourite. I don’t mind eating it for breakfast everyday,” she laughs.