Ranveer Singh, who was last seen in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Bajirao Mastani, is diving once again in another Bhansali production.
The actor is set to play Alauddin Khilji in Padmavati, Bhansali's next also starring Deepika Padukone and Shahid Kapoor. Singh's in an intense, negative role and while most Bhansali actors remain mum on the details of the role, Singh opened up about it in an interview with Filmfare.
He said, "I'm scared of stepping into that rabbit hole. I fear if I go in, I may not come back. Like Heath Ledger. He didn't come back. He went so far into the rabbit hole that it took away everything from him. I can say I'm living life on the edge."
Ledger's performance in the Christopher Nolan film is widely considered one of the greatest villainous performances in movie history, one that earned him a posthumous Oscar.
As part of the prep, Ledger had isolated himself from everyone and locked himself in a hotel room in London.
Singh says he is scared about stepping into a realm where he hasn't been before.
"I am absolutely petrified. It takes a lot out of you. Sometimes you feel empty...Like you have got nothing left. I probably may need some mental therapy. It does affect me to that degree. Hopefully, after 'Padmavati', I will do something light to keep a balance. I need time to recover. I am on the threshold of entering completely uncharted territory," he said.
Padmavati is produced by Viacom 18 Motion Pictures and is said to have a budget of Rs.150 crores.
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