Struggle, Dreams & Success: How Rakul Preet Singh Became a Power Performer in 16 Years

A dream-filled girl from Delhi, Rakul Preet Singh, entered the industry sixteen years ago without any godfather, and today she has established herself as a well-known and powerful name in Indian cinema. Starting her career in South Indian films, Rakul has created a strong identity in Bollywood through her hard work, passion, and self-belief. Recently, her film De De Pyaar De 2 became a superhit, and her performance has been called the strongest of her career. In an exclusive conversation with Mayapuri Magazine, Rakul opened up about her journey, challenges, and upcoming projects. Let’s explore her inspiring journey, her thoughts, her dedication, and the confidence that brought her where she is today.

How was your journey from Delhi to the South industry and then to Bollywood? Did you ever feel this industry might be challenging for you?

When I look back at my journey, my heart fills with happiness and pride. I had no godfather, no support system when I entered the industry, yet I created my own space here. I started with Tamil cinema, then worked in Telugu films, and today I am a part of the Hindi film industry as well. Working across different languages and industries is never easy, but every step made me stronger.

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Yes, the journey was never easy. You know beforehand that the path will be tough, uncertain and full of challenges. But every challenge teaches you something new, and those learnings have been the most beautiful part of my journey. And above all, I enjoyed every bit of it. Every film, every set, every character made me better. The road was difficult, but also incredibly rewarding.

What was your first major step toward entering films? Was there any person or incident that inspired you?

I’ve been a filmi kid since childhood. I was always imagining things because I grew up watching films. I used to look at actresses like Priyanka Chopra, Lara Dutta, Sushmita Sen and Aishwarya Rai and feel so inspired. Later, when I saw Deepika Padukone and Anushka Sharma being launched, I asked myself one question—“Why not me?”
That moment sparked a dream in me—to be in films. When I entered the industry, I was fortunate to get good opportunities, and things moved smoothly for me. Looking back now, I feel my path aligned exactly the way it was meant to.

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Your performance in De De Pyaar De 2 is being called your strongest ever. What preparation went into it?

Firstly, I’m extremely grateful for all the love my performance has received. The biggest credit goes to our brilliant writing team, who crafted my character with such depth and detail. When a character is written well, the actor’s journey becomes naturally easier and more beautiful.
Working with co-stars Ajay Devgn and R. Madhavan was also a huge learning experience. They are so experienced, effortless and giving as co-actors that performing with them automatically brings out the best in you.
I’m also someone who completely immerses herself in a character. I try to understand their body language, emotions, flaws—everything. I didn’t just act this role; I felt it. Perhaps that's why people are calling it my strongest performance.

Your natural beauty and screen presence elevated the film—do you believe balancing glamour and acting is essential for a commercial heroine?

Thank you so much. The appreciation means a lot. I believe glamour is just one aspect—it’s an extension of how a character is designed. But your real grip over a character comes only through performance. That is the foundation of everything.
Whether you play a glamorous role or a simple, rooted character—appearance comes later. The first and most important step is understanding the emotional journey of the character and truly becoming them. And that is only possible through strong acting. So yes, the key to making any character impactful is performance.

Viewers feel your command and confidence in this film is higher than ever—does it come from experience, personality or the character?

It’s a combination of everything—my personality, my hard work and my experience. I’m someone who doesn’t get intimidated by big actors or tough scenes. In fact, such moments excite me. They push me to do better. Experience also helps. With every film, you grow as an actor. Maybe all these years of effort are visible in this film.

But the biggest factor is always the character. If the writers and director don’t give you something solid, neither your personality nor experience can help. Ayesha’s character is bold, strong and fiery—so the command naturally came while performing her.

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What has been the biggest challenge in your acting career and what did it teach you?

It’s tough to pick one challenge because acting brings new highs and lows every single day. In the beginning, the challenge was—how do I crack auditions? How do I earn trust? How do I get my first film?

Later the challenge becomes—how do I get the next film? How do I stay relevant? How do I keep improving?

I don’t consider them “struggles,” because these challenges made me stronger—both personally and professionally.

Who has been your favourite co-star so far? And who would you like to work with again?

I can’t name just one. Every actor I’ve worked with—whether from Hindi or South industries—has taught me something. Each experience has been unique and memorable. But if you ask who I’d love to work with again or in the future—definitely Shah Rukh Khan. I’d also love to work with Ranveer Singh because both bring unmatched energy, passion and professionalism.

After working in both South and Hindi industries, which work culture feels more comfortable or creative?

I’ve enjoyed working in both industries. There’s no major difference in work culture—both are creative in their own ways. Yes, my journey began with South films and that’s where I was first recognized. Hindi is my mother tongue, so I naturally feel more comfortable in it. Working in both industries has been a matter of pride for me.

Your fitness journey inspires many. What message do you have for those afraid to begin?

Start with baby steps—small, simple things. Social media videos of actors doing heavy workouts can intimidate anyone, but you don’t need to do that. Workout according to your body and your capability. And finding 20 minutes a day for yourself is absolutely possible. Along with that, have a balanced diet. Slowly you’ll see and feel the change.

If you could advise your 16-year-old self, what would you say?

I’d tell her—stay the way you are. You don’t need to change anything. Just keep working hard and success will come. As for my career today, I’m very happy with where I am. I’m proud of my journey and wouldn’t want to change anything about it.

What’s your dream role? Any genre or character you’ve always wanted to do?

There are many roles I want to explore—hardcore romantic roles, biopics and historical characters are very close to my heart. These genres excite me, and I’d love to do them whenever the opportunity comes.

What can you share about your upcoming projects? Any surprise for the audience?

I can’t reveal much right now, but I have 2–3 films releasing next year. I’m very excited about them, and I hope the audience enjoys seeing me in these new characters.

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