HELLO!: How do you feel about being labelled a ‘trendsetter?’
Rakul Singh: “Thank you so much for the award, HELLO!. It feels great whenever anything you do is recognised. ‘Trendsetter of the Year’ is a special award because I don’t follow trends. So to be noticed for that is a huge achievement. I’ve always believed that one mustn’t follow trends and, instead, set trends while staying true to themselves. I’m very grateful to HELLO! for recognising this.”
H!: How would you define a trendsetter? And how do you stay on top of trends so effortlessly?
RS: “One shouldn’t put a lot of pressure on themselves to follow trends. Once you’re comfortable with what you do, how you carry your outfits, what you wear and with who you are, that sets a trend in itself. For me, it’s effortless because I choose to follow my heart and wear things I believe in or like. If that makes me happy, it looks effortless on me. Also, I can’t take away from the fact that there’s a team creating all my looks. So a huge ‘thank you’ to them because they help me to stay effortless!”
H!: How was your experience at the HELLO! awards? Which was your favourite moment?
RS: “The experience was amazing! I love the way the green was incorporated at HHOF. It was something I hadn’t seen before. The awards were conducted very well, too, but my favourite moment had to be the one where I won my award!”
H!: Is there one special kind of character you would love to portray?
RS: “Well, I’m a very greedy actor, so there’s lots I want to do. I definitely want to work on a love story that stays with people for years to come. Something like DDLJ or Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani. I’m a sucker for romance, so that would be a dream role for me. I would also love to play a historical character.”
H!: What were the highlights of your past year?
RS: “I possibly had the highest number of releases the past year — a total of five! It was a super packed year, shooting a couple of films and promoting them. Plus, the critical acclaim that we received for Doctor G and Runway 34.”
H!: What major changes have you seen in the film industry of late?
RS: “One of the most significant changes is the kind of scripts coming through that are written for female characters, with female-centric plots. It’s a very positive sign for the industry now, as compared to, say, 10 years ago.”
H!: How would you define your personal style? What are your go-to brands for everyday wear and red-carpet looks?
RS: “My style stems from a sense of comfort. If I’m comfortable, I’ll look my best. I’m a very shorts-or-denim-and-a-tee kind of girl. I don’t put too much thought into what I wear. And I’m not too picky about brands either. I always mix and match high fashion or expensive labels with streetwear, so there’s no one go-to brand.”
H!: What are you most excited about this year?
RS: “I never look at it like that. I think I’m excited every single day, both personally and professionally… I know it sounds really spiritual, but that’s who I am. I wake up and start my day with excitement. I look forward to reading more scripts, signing more films, going to more sets, creating more characters and just living life every day!”
This has been adapted for the web from a story originally published in the May-June 2023 issue of HELLO! India. Get our copy of the latest issue right here!
