He has five films on hand, but Randeep Hooda is still remembered as Sushmita Sen’s ex-boyfriend. The actor talks about moving on in life and the true love of his life…

What state of mind are you in?
I am getting comfortable with my own skin, accepting things the way they are. I’ve realised that you can only do so much and then destiny takes over.

I guess you can do your best and then leave the rest to somebody else. I am working hard and am in a good state of mind.

You haven’t had a release for over a year.
That’s true but I have been busy shooting for over five films this past year. Most of them are ready for release.

It did get to me initially when my movies weren’t releasing, but I decided that it shouldn’t let these things affect me. I am getting good work, reading great scripts and am happy with the roles I am doing.

But why haven’t you got any big banners or makers?
Who are these mainstream filmmakers and what big banners are we talking about? I don’t like this notion of commercial cinema, I believe that if it’s a good film, it will do well without being branded as commercial or non commercial.

I mean we’ve had a big banner film like Tashan with  commercial actors, but at the end of the day, it didn’t do well. So how does one justify this notion?

Are you as ambitious and aggressive as your peers?
I am driven to work aggressively. I have a life outside the industry, as I am into horse racing and that takes lot of my time and energy. I don’t see myself as someone who needs to be at social parties trying to get work and sell myself. I would rather be at a party and enjoy myself than interact with filmmakers.

Is that the reason you have no friends in the industry?
Yes, maybe. I avoid being surrounded by people who keep praising you and say you are good and do great work. Ram Gopal Varma once said how good I was and praised me, but that comment didn’t really affect me. I have lot of friends who are writers, from the theatre and other walks of life. I am not an anti-social person. I party hard when I have to.

What’s your equation with Ramu?
We are in touch and never had a personal fallout. Yes we did have professional disagreements, but that’s about it. Fortunately or unfortunately, I haven’t seen his Sholay remake after I heard what people had to say about it.

Karma, Confessions and Holi has been horribly delayed. Why?
It’s an English film, and you would have to ask the producers why it is stuck. It’s a good film with a different subject and I hope they release it in English as originally planned.

What’s your relationship status?
Well, I am single and I have some really good friends who are women, that’s about it. I don’t go chasing anyone. I am happy on this journey of self-discovery and being with myself.

You’ve made statements like you are having one-night stands and are not looking for a relationship. Still feel like that?
Yes, I do. Well it actually depends on the opportunity. I am a 31-year-old man, single, not in a relationship, fairly successful, what’s wrong with it? If someone feels that it’s a stigma then he can go f**k off!

Are you disillusioned with love?
My break-up and past experiences have taught me a lot. I understand myself better now. I would love to fall in love, maybe I haven’t experienced love yet. Right now, my horses are my true love, no woman would like me giving a my horses preference over her!

What about Sushmita? 
I have always maintained a dignified silence over what happened between me and her. But if you ask me, then I am not in touch with her.

At one time you were very close to Rene, have you kept in touch with her?
No, it would have been very confusing for the child. My equation with Sush changed and it wasn’t right for me to be around Rene. I tried, but it wasn’t possible. We are still fond of each other, but we don’t meet each other.

How can you afford to own horses? Aren’t they really expensive?
Yes, they’re very expensive, and I can’t disclose to you the amount involved.

What’s your greatest extravagance?
I have an extravagant life style. But I am a simple guy. I love sending my parents on exotic holidays, or buying gifts for friends, and splurging on my horses and cars.

You’ve bought a house in Mumbai. How do you support your lifestyle?
No, I haven’t yet purchased a house, but I would soon like to do that. At the moment, I am living on rent at an apartment in Versova.

Any hidden talents we should know about?
I play the saxophone, and flute sometimes. Also I am good at telling jokes and keeping people in splits.