Year 2016 has been going great for Rakul Preet Singh. If in January, she had a release with NTR, in April, she has one with Allu Arjun. In May, she will start shooting for Ram Charan and Sai Dharam Tej's films. In this exclusive interview to IndiaGlitz, the star diva talks about working for Sarrainodu, why she doesn't want to rank NTR, Bunny and Charan, the idea of F45 (her gym at Gacchibowli), and more.

You have done a no-makeup role in Sarrainodu. How did you feel when Boyapati narrated it?

Boyapati Sreenu is an excellent narrator. I found that this role is different from what I have done so far. The character has an emotional journey of its own. It gives goosebumps even if one scene establishes a connect with the audience. It's not every time that such a character is there in a commercial film.

Was it difficult to say the dialogues as your character is quite native?

It was not difficult. She (her character Maha Lakshmi) doesn't talk much. She emotes with eyes. I didn't dub for this character because it needs to sound authentic.

Is it like you did no homework and surrendered to Boyapati's instructions?

I did homework, but most of it was the director's input. I have no relatability with the role. So, I had to rely on the director's vision. There were discussions and exchange of views. Above all, Boyapati is so sure of what he wants.

Between you and Catherene, who has the larger role?

You have to say that after watching Sarrainodu. What I can say is that both of us have done impactful roles. Both of us have their place in the story. Catherene is playing an MLA and is also looking very good. There are two-three people in Bunny's life in this film and all of them have a weightage.

Have you got any scenes with Catherene?

All that I can say is that we shot for 3 days or so.

What are the major highlights of Sarrainodu?

Boyapati's conviction. Action films can't be watched with family, but this one is an exception.

You have acted opposite Bunny, NTR and Charan. Who is the best dancer of these three?

They all are fantastic dancers. It's me who am not good at dancing. (Laughs). As for facing difficulty dancing alongside them, watching them is like seeing a Tsunami. I can't figure out their fast moves. I tend to ask, 'Wait! Wait! What is the step? Come again'. But I am improving film after film. I am happy that I am getting to work with such good dancers.

Was there any step pulling off which you found very difficult and took many retakes?

Nothing of that sort happened. We rehearsed one day before and so, there was no much difficulty.

Even A-listers like Tamannah are doing item songs. Are you open to item numbers?

Tamannah is a superb dancer. If something good comes my way, I will probably think about that.

If and when you choose to do an item song, on whom will your decision depend: hero or director?

I think it will depend on when an offer comes my way and at what stage it comes.

You have said that your dad is your biggest critic. Is there any role that he particularly didn't like?

No, I discuss all the roles that I get with him and others in my family. I tell them about only my character as I can't narrate the entire script. They trust my decision. My father will never say no to a character as I never go to him and talk about a character for which he won't give the nod.

Between glamour and performance, which one do you go for?

I think both are important because all roles can't be performance-oriented. It's wrong to say that there is no performance in a glamorous role. Even a glam role takes in a lot of effort. There is a fine line between being glamorous and being vulgar; you have to feel comfortable in what you wear. One can suddenly look vulgar in short clothes. You have keep striking a balance between the two as the audience likes to watch both kind of roles.

You have been a huge success. How do you handle it?

I don't take it very seriously. You shouldn't let your success get to your head or failure get to your heart. This is most commonly said. But people don't really practise it. I don't see myself as a celebrity; it has not sunk in. I just see myself as someone doing a nine-to-six job like a techie. Just as software professionals put in extra hours on some days, I too put in extra hours.

You have become an A-lister in a short time. What is that USP which made it possible?

(Laughs). I don't know. People who made me what I am today would be knowing it.

Have you got Bollywood plans?

What do we get by planning? If I am meant to do a Bollywood film, I will get it. If not, I won't. I really don't differentiate between industries. As long as I get roles that give me a high, I enjoy it.

Who do you think is your competitor?

I am my own competitor. I have to keep bettering myself film after film. I couldn't speak Telugu earlier, now I am able to. Likewise, I have improved from the day of Venkatadri Express. Why should I compete with others? They are all very good in their own space. Films are my passion and madness. Competition is quite a negative thing. The likes of Samantha, Kajal had been there in the industry before me. They are my seniors and I will always learn from them.

You have learnt Telugu so fast. What did you do to get this acquaintance?

By speaking at length shooting for scenes.

Do you think actresses are called stars only if they are cast opposite superstars?

I don't think so. I think Anushka and Nithya Menen have stated that an actor is an actor and is judged by his/her performance and script. The film is the biggest hero.

Suppose you get a film opposite Pawan or Mahesh. Will you do it even if it goes a