After his impressive act in Anurag Kashyap’s Mukkabaaz (2018), Vineet Kumar Singh is gradually finding his place in the Hindi film industry. Vineet plays a cop handling cybercrime in his latest film Ghuspaithiya, directed by Susi Ganesan and co-starring Urvashi Rautela and Akshay Oberoi. In a heartfelt conversation with us, the actor opened up about his role, working with Mahesh Manjrekar and Anurag Kashyap, and his 22-year-long journey in Mumbai.

What appealed to you about Ghuspaithiya?

Vineet Kumar Singh: I liked the premise and subject of Ghuspaithiya because this film not only entertains but also gives a message that is extremely important in today’s times. We see that cybercrime has become increasingly common. Internationally, this business is approximately worth 6 trillion dollars; more than India’s economy. Ghuspaithiya will make people aware of cybercrimes so that they can be careful while interacting with strangers on social media.

Also, people think that only they know what they are doing on their smartphones. We don’t know who is listening to our phones. If you talk to someone about buying shoes, you’ll soon see that you get ads for shoes on your phone. So, someone is listening to our conversations via phone. You have to be very alert. That’s what appealed to me about Ghuspaithiya.

How was your journey on Ghuspaithiya?

Vineet Kumar Singh: I was shooting in Lonavala for a Red Chilies project when Susi (Ganesan) sir and DOP Setu Sriram came to meet me. I liked the subject and agreed to do the film. We started shooting before the pandemic. It has been a tough journey. We shot for 30-32 consecutive days including travel. It was hectic. I depended completely on the director because it was a new school for me. I learned a lot from him because he was very clear about what he wanted from me and my character. It was a tough journey but a memorable one.

What was your reference point for playing the cop Ravi Rana in Ghuspaithiya?

Vineet Kumar Singh: Susi Ganeshan had already made a Tamil film. I watched that film and quite liked it. I felt that this subject would be relatable to everyone using a smartphone. You attend a call out of courtesy or click on a link out of curiosity and fall victim to a cybercrime. Your greed could also land you in similar situations. The personal and private lives of many people have been compromised because of such crimes. I met some cops who handle cybercrimes. I was mainly listening to them.

Was it disturbing when you were listening to people?

Vineet Kumar Singh: Absolutely. When you’re listening, your eyes are speaking. Your eyes won’t speak if you don’t listen properly. It was a practice of listening and reacting. I remained in touch with my friends in the police while preparing for the role. I kept listening to what they had to share about cybercrimes. These crimes are beyond our imagination and understanding. One wrong click and you are trapped. If there’s a theft in your house, you can at least tell people. There are certain types of cybercrimes that you can’t even tell people about.

You have worked a lot behind the camera as well with filmmaker-actor Mahesh Manjrekar. How did that association start?

Vineet Kumar Singh: When I came to Mumbai, I contested in a talent hunt show where Mahesh Manjrekar was one of the judges. I was the winner of the final round. He asked me to meet him. I met him and our journey started. The first film didn’t work. I was new to this city. One day, he told me, ‘You think well, write well, so start working in direction until you get acting work.’ So, I started working with him as an assistant director. I did many films with him as an AD. But I was waiting for my big break as an actor.

One day he said, ‘Vineet, agli picture tu karega.’ I was happy. That film was City of Gold (2009). Around the same time, casting for Gangs of Wasseypur was going on. I met Anurag Kashyap sir and things started moving – Gangs of Wasseypur, Bombay Talkies, Ugly, etc.

You have been shooting for Anurag Kashyap’s next. How was the experience of returning to his set after Gangs of Wasseypur, Ugly, Bombay Talkies, and Mukkabaaz?

Vineet Kumar Singh: I can’t reveal much about the project but I can share my feelings. I’m able to decode a new thing as an actor whenever I work with Anurag Kashyap. He also throws a challenge at me. I feel lucky to have got to play a range of characters under his direction. It’s a big thing for an actor to get a new kind of a character every time and I have got those opportunities from Anurag sir. I am doing something new this time as well.

When I am on Anurag Kashyap’s set I’m blissful. When I go to sleep after the shoot, I feel like something new has happened inside me. Why didn’t I know that about me before? Anurag sir improvises a lot. The Anurag Kashyap I see on this new project reminds me of the Anurag Kashyap of Gangs of Wasseypur, Ugly and Mukkabaaz. I am experiencing the sharpness and finesse of his work.

Do you want to make Mukkabaaz 2?

Vineet Kumar Singh: I want to do a film of that capacity again. I keep trying to do something like Mukkabaaz again. I hope that I get to do that very soon.

You’ve also reunited with Reema Kagti for Superboys of Malegaon. How is your director-actor process with her?

Vineet Kumar Singh: I worked with Reema Kagti on Gold (2018). It’s a different kind of happiness because her detailing is remarkable. She works on everything, from script to costume, hair and makeup, in great detail. She comes fully prepared on set. She knows what she wants. I am thankful to have got another chance to work with her. Superboys of Malegaon is a different kind of story and the film is going to the Toronto International Film Festival. I will be going there.

My friends used to taunt me that I had limited myself to Anurag Kashyap. I used to stay silent because I was not getting any other opportunities. Now, I have worked multiple times with Red Chillies, Drishyam Films and Excel Entertainment. Now my friends ask me, ‘What do you do that others are also repeating you?’ I still stay silent, I only smile.

What has changed and what has still not changed for you in terms of getting work?

Vineet Kumar Singh: Things have changed quite a bit. Earlier, I used to approach people and stand in queues because I used to get those one- or two-scene roles. Now filmmakers and casting directors call me directly. They believe that I would do justice to their characters. But as an actor, I still do my hard work so that it makes my life a bit easier on set. I want to work in a bigger capacity. I want to do commercial films. I am doing commercial films such as Chhava and another one which will be announced soon.

What have you gained and lost in your 22-year-long journey?

Vineet Kumar Singh: I was studying for seven-eight years out of those 22 years. I didn’t let my friends go away from me. My life has changed a lot but they still approach me the same way and I am the same with them. This city has given me a lot. When I came here, I didn’t know anyone. But today, wherever I go, there’s someone who knows me. Because of work, life has changed financially. As a human being, my thought process has improved.

When I came here from a small town, I came with values as well as certain things which I have let go of now. It was part of the upbringing – this is right, that is wrong, moral or immoral. I feel that I have become a better person in this city. The city has taught me that if you lead your life with strength and determination then magic happens.