Randeep Hooda

Randeep Hooda: What he said, really meant and definitely didn’t

Randeep Hooda is Bollywood’s Dark Horse.

What he said:

“While announcing my name, they said `ladies and gentlemen, Bollywood is in equestrian sport now. Please give a big round of applause.“

Bollywood star, Randeep Hooda, recounts his initial competitive experience in equestrian sport.

He said:

“I was in an event called fault and out (one mistake and you are out of the competition)… and my horse refused the first jump itself.

I can’t tell you what I went through. I didn’t know where to look.As an actor, a celebrity, I draw extra attention and if I fail people are quick to pull me down. That’s one of the reasons I need to work extra hard, so I don’t make a mockery of myself. I needed two more years before I got into a winning spree.”

The macho actor recently won seven medals, including three gold and two silver, at the National Equestrian Championship in dressage and show-jumping events.

“I would have loved to be part of this strong Asian Games contingent.But as my movie career is just gathering momentum, I didn’t even try this time. By the next edition, I want to be in a position to take off for eight-nine months and give it a shot.”

“Like every sportsperson, I want to win a medal for my country . I want to be on the podium when the Indian flag is being hoisted.”

What he really meant:

“I could have done without the extra attention. I just wanted to focus on doing well in my event.”

What he definitely didn’t:

“I thought they were referring to my thoroughbreds—Ranji,  Johnny Walker, Simply Supreme,  Rommel and Atilla. They’ve all got showbiz names.”