Actor Ranveer Singh is almost confirmed to star in filmmaker Zoya Akhtar’s next film, claims city-based rapper Naezy, whose life the movie is based on.
The forthcoming project, rumoured to be titled Gully Boy, is about the lives of street rappers from Mumbai’s chawls (tenements) and ghettos, including artists Naezy and Divine.
When asked if the 31-year-old actor is doing the film, Naezy said, “He is doing the film, it is almost confirmed. But still there are few things which are yet to be finalised. Writing is underway.”
The Asal Hustle rapper, whose real name is Naved Shaikh, said Singh will be the perfect fit for the part.
“Ranveer also listens to hip hop. He knows what real hip hop is. We spoke to him and he is also very excited regarding this. He will enjoy this [role] too. I had done a Bollywood track called Birju on which he lip synced.
“He was rapping like me. He listens to all our music. He is a very versatile actor. He can be a Bajirao and a rapper too,” Naezy said.
Naezy, who resides in Kurla, said that as part of the film’s research, Akhtar visited their locality and tried to understand the life and stories of underground rappers.
Akhtar also saw live performances of the artists to get a better insight into them.
“She is a very intelligent director. She has thought of making something on this, so it’s good. The biggest misconception regarding hip hop will be removed and it will also help the underground scene to reach mainstream,” he said.
Naezy was speaking at the ‘Rolling With’ music-and-conversation initiative by Twitter India in partnership with Rolling Stone magazine.
