His Hotness

The chiselled body,washboard abs and long locks in DMD may be earning Rana admiration now,but when he first came to movies,he was “slightly overweight”,confirms his Hyderabad-based fitness trainer Kunal Gir. “He likes to look muscular,so he works out a lot and eats a low-carb diet,” says Gir.

While Bollywood is busy serenading chocolate boys like Ranbir Kapoor and Imran Khan,it is the action hero image that is desperately seeking takers. Rana didn’t quite measure up to a simmering action hero in DMD,but there is potential. Model-actor-producer Sushma Reddy feels that there are very few South Indian heroes who have a pan-India appeal. “He isn’t just good looking but is also smart to have accepted the role of Joki in his debut Bollywood film.”

Rana’s macho yet urbane looks were a talking point on the sets of DMD too,when they initially started shooting. The film’s stylist Falguni Thakore took inspiration from his earthy looks for his wardrobe in the film. “Minimalism was the key. We did not want to accessorise too much because even the most basic clothes suited his fantastic physique,” says Thakore,who added only a wooden rosary and earrings as accessories.

Besides the looks,it is the warmth and sensibility he exudes,that makes him “sexy” feels Momaya.

The actor made his debut in a Telugu film,Leader,which made him a star overnight. “If you see the posters of Leader and DMD,I look completely different,” smiles the actor. Director Rohan Sippy was also impressed by his looks and personality. “There are few actors who will not bring an image with them,” says Sippy.

For all the flattery that is pouring in for his sex appeal,his acting abilities did not quite get the thumbs up. “If I am being appreciated for DMD,then it has to be for the character I play and not for the person who I am in reality,” he says.

Rana’s self-confidence is on a high post DMD,but that’s only obvious. The actor’s name is currently on top of the casting list of production houses. “From a producer’s point of view,I can assure you that he is the most talked about actor right now,” states Reddy. Merani feels it is too early to judge him. “The role wasn’t really etched out well. He is a charismatic actor and deserves a second chance,” says she.