As Ranveer Singh kicks-off Gully Boy prep with Divine, latter says he is reading up on those associated with the art
In the midst of the controversy surrounding the release of his film, Padmavati, Ranveer Singh being spotted on a few occasions with Indian rapper Divine is indicative that the actor has kicked-off work on his next film. Zoya Akhtar's Gully Boy is inspired by Mumbai rappers Naezy and Divine, who belonged to a Kurla slum before they shot to fame.
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Ranveer Singh
The actor has been prepping with Divine to learn the nuances of rapping. Divine tells mid-day that while work on the film had commenced during the filming of Padmavati, it has garnered pace only now. "Ranveer genuinely loves hip hop [music]. Currently, we are listening to music and jamming together," he says.
In order to do justice to the role, Singh is also investing time in learning about the history of rapping in Mumbai. "He is studying various artistes, and their repertoire. He knows all the renowned rappers, and their forte by now." Singh is yet to start working on his vocal chords, says Divine, adding that he "tries his hand at singing once in a while." Heaping praise on the leading man, Divine says that Singh, filmmaker Zoya Akhtar and he have bonded well. "Ever since the film was being written, they have connected with us to learn about details of hip hop in Mumbai, its roots, and how it is distanced from the music in other cities. Ranveer is one of us when he is with me. He knows our lingo, style and slangs. He is keeping us on our toes."
Divine is not aware about how much of the film will hinge on music, but credits Akhtar for being familiar with the "rapping scene" in the city. "A large part of our verses then were about cars and girls. But, there is an untapped facet [to Indian rap] that will be explored in this film." He is also playing a crucial role in determining the sounds that are apt for the final cut. "Every night, Ranveer and I hear stuff and decide whether it's suitable for our film. As I work with him, he is slowly becoming someone I look up to," he says. The actor's get up is currently undecided. "But, I will be on the set [to see it] when they roll."
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