The Viineet Kumar Siingh story that feels personal: From scars to stardom

India Today

14-05-2025

In the world of Bollywood, which usually acts like the fiction that it creates, finding people who are rooted, cultured and value their conscious above any rising trend is rare. And it feels even more special when such people eventually get the much-deserved taste of success, after years and years of struggle. For actor Viineet Kumar Siingh, neither life nor the industry has been harsh, but adamantly, a little more success wouldn't have hurt. That finally changed this year with three back-to-back solid performances which brought him back to the centre of the conversation - 'Chhaava', 'Superboys of Malegaon' and 'Jaat'. But, who is Viineet beyond a great performer?advertisementThe OG 'Mukkabaaz' of Bollywood has suddenly become Bollywood's favourite 'kavi'. Thanks to his immensely popular appearance in 'Chhaava' earlier this year. Things have changed. More work is coming his way, and he has finally got a PR machine at work for him. He doesn't mind any of this, because he is doing everything that he didn't do the first time to milk the success that he found following 'Mukkabaaz' in 2018.In an emotional interview with India Today, the actor spoke at length about the way his life has been changing. "It feels great. Three releases in three months. And at a time when theatrical releases are so rare - these are all theatrical! I hadn't planned this. I just focused on doing good work as an actor. But this time, it feels like the universe has written my story and finalised the script. I don't know why it took so long, because I've always worked with full dedication. But now, everything is lining up, one after the other."
Photo: India Today/ Vipul Kumar
advertisementThe interview took place on a Sunday, and when asked if he was comfortable doing the same on a day off, Siingh underlined that a creative mind never rests. "My belief is - when something good is happening in life, then do seven days' worth of work in one day. When good times come, make the most of them. I don't count the days - I don't see night, day, Sunday, Monday, or even festivals. I just go with the flow," he said."Your success feels personal", Siingh said while highlighting the best compliment that he's received for his performances in films lately. The 46-year-old explained how this phase is so close to his heart that he feels overwhelmed: "Journalists and critics noticed me a long time back. They used to wonder, 'Why isn't he getting the work he deserves?' So now that it's happening, they feel personally successful too. People are sending me messages saying, 'It feels like our success.' That's so beautiful."Siingh added that he has gained a newfound popularity among children, especially after playing Kavi Kalash alongside Vicky Kaushal in 'Chhaava', an all-time Bollywood blockbuster."I used to wonder - 'I do such serious films. Will I ever be able to do something that connects with kids?' I never imagined I would. But this time, the kids are reciting poetry from 'Chhaava' to me - and they're getting emotional while doing it. That's magic. I am surprised by myself. Parents feel proud too - they never thought their kids would recite poems and connect with poetry. In this age of reels, filters, music, and sound effects, for a child to connect with stillness and poetry is truly amazing," he shared.
Photo: India Today/ Vipul Kumar
Viineet Kumar Siingh comes from a humble family background in Varanasi, one of the most ancient cities in the world, considered the land of salvation. He said the place he came from had taught him resilience. Things might not have worked for him consistently, but he knew there was going to be a light at the end of the tunnel, a dust of sparkle waiting for him.Everyone hopes for better days. Maybe the best we imagined doesn't happen, but sometimes what happens is even better. So now that this moment has arrived, Siingh said, "it is even better than what I had imagined."advertisementHe added in his own poetic mood: "We live in a universe that's expanding, like the Big Bang Theory. Nature teaches us to expand positively. I often think of a mango tree. When it bears fruit and people throw the seeds around, five years later, you'll see twenty more mango trees. So yes, I look to nature for answers. I look at the moon and stars and think - we haven't even reached there yet. So why should I give up when magic exists all around me?"Siingh has been a transparent actor since the beginning of his career. He doesn't know how to hide his emotions - on or off-screen. He has talked about being wronged, feeling sidelined with as much flare as he's celebrating his popularity today.He went on, "I experience pain and struggle, but I don't hide it. If something is being asked, and I know it won't harm anyone, why not speak the truth? I believe in that. Our conditioning teaches us to hide flaws. If a child has torn shoes, they'll keep hiding that foot. That conditioning drains energy. You have to understand that everyone has got something that they feel is 'less'."
Photo: India Today/ Vipul Kumar
advertisementSiingh analysed, "Show me someone in Mumbai who doesn't feel like their house is one room short? I drive a six-year-old car, and I have no shame in saying that loudly. Maybe someone else is hiding their old car. Why hide? Focus on your work and skills. As an actor, I may not look perfect. Maybe my face has a scar. But that doesn't make me less of an actor."Siingh is a confident individual. He goes back to his big family in Varanasi whenever he feels the need to stay grounded, in search of humility, because the industry has its way of making you feel larger-than-life. "I go back to my roots because it makes me feel less ashamed about my struggles. I am trying and failing. I don't feel ashamed about that. That's important. So yes, if my shoe is torn, I will say it is. That doesn't make me a lesser person," he said.advertisementWhen told that his clear sense of expression is always so amazing, he said his inspiration is truth itself. "I haven't read this anywhere. I just live by the truth. And yes, if I ever go wrong, I've given the people around me the permission to grab my hand and say, 'Viineet, this isn't right.' I've said it to them explicitly. I don't always know when I'm wrong. I've learnt everything by doing it. I'm a first-generation actor. No one in my family was here to tell me what to do," he explained.Siingh is the kind of actor who converts his real-life experiences into his roles to become a better performer. For him, his acting prowess comes from the memories that he creates. "I feel life is all about creating memories between your first and last breath. That's all that's left in the end. You don't store it in a vault. Just memories. So I live by that - let's make some beautiful memories."
Photo: India Today/ Vipul Kumar
But, is it all just about being happy, poetic and loved? Has all this critical appreciation brought him good money as well? He said, "Yes, thankfully." Siingh added, "Money is coming with better roles, and honestly, even I don't shy away from asking. I believe in my craft, the makers who are emotionally and financially investing in me, and I am ready to deliver more than 100 per cent."But, as his career grows, Siingh is also looking at achieving a new feat personally. He is soon going to welcome his first child with wife Ruchira Ghormare. He's both excited and, as he said earlier, 'overwhelmed'. Siingh said it's all God's plan and his mercy, and he can only be grateful for all of this."I am now buying a house, my 'ashiana'. I never thought about it earlier. Even after marriage, I didn't. I used to fulfil all my responsibilities, but I don't follow social norms blindly. Even as a child, I questioned 'why do people get married?' or 'why do we have to buy a house?' I think I understand it now. I know why it's a symbol of happiness. Having a small house in Mumbai, where I can be with my family, is the next thing on my list. It'll be a symbol for everyone who believed in me," he concluded emotionally.
Photo: India Today/ Vipul Kumar
For most of us, the most part of life is a struggle. Having a Viineet to look up to when you feel the most beaten and staggered, reaffirms your faith in everything. Your truth and your emotions can always betray you, but look for that dust of sparkle. If Viineet can, you can too!