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Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Chaava and Jaat actor Viineet Kumar Singh: Lucknow has been important for my career
Actor Viineet Kumar Singh has shot extensively in Lucknow and his home state Uttar Pradesh. Last seen in Chhaava and Jaat, the actor has a strong connection with the state capital. 'While Varanasi is my janmabhoomi and Mumbai is my karmabhoomi, Lucknow, too, has a been really important for my upbringing. 'My first memory of moving out of Varanasi was coming to Lucknow. I came here as a mini (under 12) to play basketball at the KD Singh Babu Stadium. Big cars, tall buildings, big showrooms were all novelty for me. Then, there used to be Nixon Market near the stadium, which sold foreign goods at economical prices, where I shopped. So, whenever I get time during shoots, I go to the stadium for a while, take a stroll in the erstwhile basketball court and relive my memories. Bachpan se hi lagaav raha hai Lucknow se,' he says. The actor recalls, 'Later, I came here for a 21-day camp. I remember buying a purse for mummy, a T-shirt for papa and things related to sports for my brother and sisters. I spent all my money buying gifts for them. These are very fond and strong memories.' 'Rangbaaz (2022), my most successful OTT show so far, was shot entirely in Lucknow and Sitapur. Besides Bareilly and Varanasi, a portion of Mukkabaaz (2018) was also shot here. I extensively shot for Sudhir Mishra's DaasDev (2018) here, Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl (2020), and Match Fixing, which released earlier this year,' he says. Viineet adds, 'If we move bit further, Gangs of Wasseypur was 90% shot in Varanasi. My next with Anurag (Kashyap, director) sir Nishanchi has been extensively shot here in two schedules (the movie is in two parts). Lucknow is a very shoot-friendly place. Since I am also a writer, I make sure that all my stories have my state in some way or another. Kaafi yogdaan raha hai iss shehar ka meri journey mein.'
India Today
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
The Viineet Kumar Siingh story that feels personal: From scars to stardom
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 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 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 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 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 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!
Time of India
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'Chaava' actor Vineet Kumar Singh and wife Ruchiraa set to welcome their first child; Couple shares adorable maternity shoot
Bollywood actor Vineet Kumar Singh and wife Ruchiraa Singh joyfully announced their first pregnancy with a heartfelt Instagram post and maternity photoshoot. Married since 2021, the couple is excitedly preparing for parenthood. Fans and industry friends have showered them with love and blessings as they embrace this beautiful new chapter. Bollywood actor Vineet Kumar Singh and his wife, Ruchiraa Singh , are all set to embrace parenthood for the first time, and their announcement couldn't be more heartwarming. The couple, who tied the knot in November 2021, took to Instagram to share the exciting news, accompanied by a stunning maternity photoshoot that has fans gushing. In the photos, Ruchiraa glows in a fitted green dress, proudly cradling her baby bump, while Vineet keeps it classy in an all-white ensemble. The duo looks blissfully in love, beaming with joy as they prepare to welcome their little one. Their heartfelt caption read: "New Life & Blessings! From the universe, with love... Baby arriving soon!! Namaste, little one!!! We are ready to welcome you." The post quickly garnered attention from fans and friends from the entertainment world. Actress Aakanksha Singh commented, 'Congratulations guys, so so happy,' while Aahana Kumra chimed in with, 'Oh my god!!!!' and a series of heart emojis. Comedian Sunil Grover and YouTuber Elvish Yadav also sent their warm wishes, making it clear that the news has brought a wave of happiness to their well-wishers. Vineet Kumar Singh, who made a name for himself with powerful performances in Mukkabaaz and Gangs of Wasseypur, was recently seen in Chhaava, where he portrayed the historical figure Chandogamatya Kavi Kalash. Despite sustaining a back injury while shooting a battle sequence, the actor powered through the schedule with determination and physiotherapy, showcasing his dedication to the craft. The couple's love story goes beyond the glitz and glamour of the industry. Their journey began nearly a decade ago when Ruchiraa, also a part of the creative field, reached out to Vineet for professional collaboration. Over time, their friendship evolved into a strong, supportive relationship that culminated in a beautiful wedding in Nagpur. Now, with a new chapter unfolding, the couple is gearing up to step into parenthood together. As the industry showers them with love and blessings, fans can't wait to meet the newest addition to their family.
Indian Express
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Chhaava actor Viineet Kumar Siingh and wife Ruchira Singh announce first pregnancy: ‘This phase is incredibly special'
Mukkabaaz fame Viineet Kumar Siingh and his wife and actor Ruchira Singh have announced their first pregnancy. Viineet shared the news on Instagram along with some photos with his wife. Viineet, also shared that he is trying to maintain a work-life balance so that he is there for his wife as they prepare for a new chapter in their life. Viineet took to Instagram and wrote, 'New Life & Blessings! From the universe, with love… Baby arriving soon!! Namaste, little one!!! We are ready to welcome you 🙏🔱 Love ❤️.' Speaking to Hindustan Times about parenthood, he said, 'This phase is incredibly special for both of us. We're overjoyed and can't wait to welcome our baby. Everything feels new, and I want to be present for every moment.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Viineet Kumar Siingh (@vineet_ksofficial) However, Viineet explained that he is trying to keep work and personal life balanced for the sake of their growing family. He said, 'I try my best to take care of Ruchira. I wrap up work as quickly as I can and rush home. I've figured out my schedule, so I can accompany her for doctor's visits. I'm planning to take paternity leave once the baby arrives in July.' Viineet made his Bollywood debut in 2002 with Sanjay Dutt 's Pitaah. Since then, the actor starred in many films, but his work largely went unnoticed. He then starred in Anurag Kashyap's Gangs of Wasseypur, which gave him popularity. However, since it was a multi-starrer, the focus shifted to other actors like Piyush Mishra, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, and others. Anurag again came to his rescue when he offered him the lead role in his 2018 film Mukkabaaz. The film was highly praised by critics and was also nominated for a Filmfare Award. Recently, Viineet made headlines for his role in Vicky Kaushal's blockbuster Chhaava. His chemistry with the Masaan actor was praised by critics and audiences alike. Apart from Chhaava, Viineet also starred in another massy film — Sunny Deol 's Jaat — recently. He was also recently seen in Varun Grover and Reema Kagti's critically acclaimed Superboys of Malegaon.
