'I was never seeing Anushka': Ranveer

Newbie Ranveer Singh rubbishes rumours about his relationship with Anushka Sharma

How was life before films?

I was doing a BA in telecommunication at the University of Indiana in Bloomington, USA. In my second year, I decided to take an acting class. I declared it my minor and studied acting for two years.

Why didn't you join acting classes in Mumbai like the rest ?

The ones in Mumbai are bad. I tried going to Kishore Namit Kapoor's school. I found their lessons very dated.

But Kishore has trained the likes of Hrithik Roshan and Priyanka Chopra.

True. But they advocate a brand of acting that doesn't work any more.

It must be a big deal to bag a Yash Raj film as your debut vehicle, you're not even from a filmi family.

I'm the the first solo hero to be launched by them. There was some amount of ability in me that was good enough for a maker like Aditya Chopra to put out. After my first audition, when I acted two scenes, he said, "This is Bittoo Sharma (the character he plays in the film)."

You've signed a three-film contract with Yash Raj...

The other two films will be vastly different. Those will be my starting point.

It's a safe, calculated launch...

You could say that. But it's not safe for the banner. It's not safe to launch a newcomer with no audience pull. They are taking a huge risk by putting that much money on me. I'm glad Anushka is part of the film. Many would come to the theatres for her as she has a dedicated fan base. But the film will also work because it's a desi date flick.

Your name is already embroiled in many controversies ' notable among them being your father financing the film...

That story came out of thin air. I didn't expect or want it. It's not the kind of buzz I want for myself.

Have you learnt the ways of the industry?

There's so much in that area that still needs figuring out. I'm just starting to learn. But what I know already is that nothing can defeat humility and hard work and that content is always the king. Bollywood is a great place. I've grown up watching Bollywood films. I always wanted to act.

Is there a Plan B in case Bollywood doesn't work out?

I haven't thought about it. I think Bollywood will work. I pray that I don't get a chance to do an MA in acting. I've found my calling.

Did working with Anushka (Sharma) rekindle the romance?

I was never seeing her. The reports about our relationship and subsequent break-up are false, imaginary and exaggerated.

So, are you single?

Very much. I like it this way for now.