'Being considered most bankable is great'

'I did not choose this profession to chase money; I truly fell in love with acting.'

Rajkummar Rao tries his best to romance Sonam Kapoor in Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga.

The rising actor like his new tag of being a bankable actor, but insists the film's story is the real star.

"We did not make this film to chase crores at the box office," Raj tells Rediff.com Contributor Ramesh S.

You are a bankable actor now. How does that feel?

More than me, it's the story -- I have to like the story first and be convinced that it's wonderful. Only after that will I be a part of it.

We make movies with a lot of sincerity and passion.

I love being on a film set.

Being considered as the most bankable actor is a great tag, but we try to make the film as best as possible.

Does being bankable add pressure?

No. I work because I want to work. I am an actor because I want to be an actor.

Nobody is forcing me to be an actor.

I did not choose this profession to chase money; I truly fell in love with the art and craft of acting.

I get an opportunity to be so many people in one life through different characters.

So I don't take any pressure.

I know what people expect from me and know I have to push my boundaries and grow as an actor.

How much does box office success mean to you?

Box office success means more people are coming to watch your films. That's the reason we make films.

When it does great numbers, it is a great feeling.

But we did not make this film to chase crores at the box office.

worked with Anil Kapoor in Fanney Khan. Did you prepare together?

No. My character is independent, rather than Anil sir and Sonam's in the film.

As they are working together for the first time here, they would rather prepare together.

I was individually preparing for my own character.

The script is finely written and every character is etched out well.

The song that inspires the title of this film, Ek Ladki Ko Dekha To Aisa Laga was composed by R D Burman. How much do you connect with it?

I still remember when I heard a small part of the title song long ago when we were shooting for the film, I immediately fell in love with it.

Sonam and I would keep humming the tune.

It is a soulful re-creation of the iconic song, so I feel very blessed.

Lastly, what's happening next?

After Ek Ladki Ko Dekha To Aisa Laga, I have Mental Hai Kya in March.

I also have Made in China and Anurag Basu's next in the pipeline.