Rannvijay Singha on working ‘as little as possible,’ sticking to diets in phases, and waking up to coffee: ‘As a Punjabi, I feel…’

Q. How different do you think things would have been had you not participated in Roadies?

Rannvijay Singha: I think life would’ve still found a way to challenge me — just in a different form. Roadies gave me a platform, but more than that, it gave me perspective. It taught me how to handle pressure, people, and unpredictability. If not Roadies, I’d still be chasing growth and adventure somewhere — maybe not on TV, but definitely doing something that pushed me to be bold.

Q. While the reality show catapulted you to fame, do you think it also pigeonholed you as a ‘stud’ — an image that’s been hard to shake off?

Rannvijay Singha: Honestly, that tag came with the territory, and I’ve never really fought it. It was part of how people first connected with me. But over time, what’s mattered more is consistency and intent. Whether it’s hosting, acting, or entrepreneurship, people eventually see the work behind the image. The “stud” thing might’ve opened the door, but staying in the room took a lot more than that.

Q. Tell us about your stint on Chhoriyan Chali Gaon. What drew you to it?

Rannvijay Singha: Chhoriyan Chali Gaon was an amazing opportunity to spend time in rural India and watch urban celebrity girls take up real-life challenges. Being in the lap of nature and on the farms reminded us how hard our farmers work and how much it affects our lives — from the milk we choose to the produce we eat. It was heartwarming to see how the villagers and we became like a family. When we left, there were teary eyes all around. So many good memories from that show — I’m really grateful for the experience.

Q. What do you consider your biggest strengths and weaknesses?

Rannvijay Singha: Self-belief has always been at the core of who I am — that’s why the Royal Challenge Packaged Drinking Water anthem Main Nahi Toh Kaun Be hits home for me. My biggest strength is consistency — I show up every single time, no matter what. I love challenging myself with new things, whether it’s hosting, acting, producing, or experimenting in the digital space. My weakness is impatience. I like things to move fast, but I’ve learnt that sometimes slowing down is also part of growth.

Q. Do you get to live life on your own terms, or are you mostly bound by contracts and NDAs?

Rannvijay Singha: It’s a mix of both. There are always commitments and contracts — that’s part of the job. But I’ve made it a point to work only on things that align with who I am. That’s why the Main Nahi Toh Kaun Be anthem made sense — it’s about standing for something, not just selling something. For me, being bold means being authentic, even within boundaries. I like knowing that every show, brand, or project I do reflects who I am.

 

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Q. With your schedule, how do you balance work and parenting?

Rannvijay Singha: Since 2020–21, my goal has been to work as little as possible, spend time with my kids, and take up only projects that keep me relevant. Whenever I’m away, it has to be for something important — like Chhoriyan Chali Gaon, Roadies, or a Netflix show.

I consciously choose my projects so I can be around my kids. For example, I’ve been away for just four days this October. When I’m home, I do everything — pick-up, drop-off, story time, gymnastics, park, beach. Until my kids turn 13 or 14, I plan to keep this up. Once they’re busy with their own activities, I’ll ramp things up again.

Q. If not the entertainment world, what would you have been doing?

Rannvijay Singha: I was headed to the Indian Army. My dad was in the army, and I was the sixth generation. I’d cleared my SSB, medical, and written exams. I was seeking the same things — adventure, bikes, sports, camaraderie — but I took a different path. For generations, my family had only known army life. When I chose something else, it changed their world too. It felt like I was doing something new, both for my family and for myself.

Q. Your fitness discipline is well known. What does your daily exercise routine look like?

Rannvijay Singha: For me, fitness means staying active. It’s not just about the gym; it’s about movement. If I don’t make it to the gym, I’ll do a home workout, go for a walk, or cycle with my kids. There’s no day I’m not active. On an ideal day, I play two to three sports, then recover with a bath, massage, sleep, and lots of water.

 

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Q. Do you follow strict meal plans?

Rannvijay Singha: I go through phases of sticking to meal plans. If you’re always on a strict diet, your body gets used to clean food — which isn’t realistic for an Indian or a Punjabi! If you’re burning calories, you deserve that paratha or rajma chawal.

I work hard and eat right, but I also indulge. Sometimes I’ll have pizza with my kids — that’s life. Then there are times when I’ll follow a plan for three or four months to prepare for a tournament or to get into a certain shape. It’s all about balance. If I know there’s a wedding coming up, I’ll be disciplined for ten days before. That way, I can enjoy the food guilt-free.

Q. You’ve worked closely with Raghu Ram and Rajiv Lakshman. How different are they from their on-screen personas?

Rannvijay Singha: I love working with Raghu and Rajiv. They’re brilliant, witty, and extremely hardworking. The Roadies‘ version of them is just one side of their personalities. That came out only when someone was being disrespectful — to women, elders, or others. People who didn’t follow the show closely might have missed that. In real life, they’re fun, warm, and great to hang out with. I always look forward to working with them.

Q. What’s the first thing you do in the morning?

Rannvijay Singha: If I’m not dropping the kids off, it’s coffee. I take it easy in the morning — I don’t rush into the day. I’ll sit with my coffee, plan the day, and start 30–45 minutes later. When I’m working, mornings start early, but coffee is always the constant.