Video proof of why Ranveer Singh is perfect to play a street rapper

Ranveer Singh is a man of many talents. We don't count his eccentric fashion sense amongst it, but the Bajirao Mastani has had a colourful career. Since his debut in the Yash Raj romance, Band Baaja Baraat (2010), the actor has played conman, thief, a warrior prince, and is now set to play a street rapper. In fact, the actor is also set to write some lines for the rap songs. 

Co-starring Alia Bhatt, the film is already raising the expectations for its fresh casting. The chemistry between Singh and Bhatt in a slew of commercials has already proved to be a hit. In addition, Zoya Akhtar's rising reputation as a director makes Gully Boys a highly anticipated film. But it is Singh who will prove the trump in the rap. The actor has already won praise from Indian rappers like Badshah for his rapping skills. 

While there were rumours that Varun Dhawan would replace Singh in the film, due to his commitments to Sanjay Leela Bhansali, the official announcement has put it to rest. While Dhawan has the energy and charisma of a rapper, he lacks the verbal skills that Ranveer Singh has. The wild and eccentric personality of Singh also plays in advantage of his role of the rapper. This is not the first time Singh is set to rap in a film either. He has already done some rapping in Maneesh Sharma's Ladies Vs Ricky Bahl (2011). 

If that doesn't convince you, check out this episode from Simi Garewal's India's Most Desirable episode right after the release of Band Baaja Baraat. Starting on minute 39.40, the actor launches into a freestyle rap describing his sudden rise to success and the changes it has brought. Whether it is carrying through the tune, or finding the right words to fit in even Simi Garewal, Singh manages to do a splendid job of it. There couldn't be a better audition video for his role for Zoya Akhtar's film. 

Having worked as a copywriter at Ogilvy And Mathers before entering the film industry, Singh has the ability to use words to express himself. When he signed on as the brand ambassador for Durex condoms, he even wrote and sang his own lines for the advertisement. He carried it forward when he rapped in front of a live audience as the brand ambassador for Jack and Jones. 

Gully Boys is reportedly based on the story of Mumbai street rappers like Divine and Naezy. Sources quoted suggest that Ranveer has already started researching for his role, interacting with Naezy to learn the process. A report quoted a source saying, "Ranveer will give more than his 100 percent to this role as always. Zoya is a close friend of his, and someone who has trusted him with her first home production. He carries some responsibility and is absolutely excited about the role. Over time, while prepping, he built a rapport with Naezy and Divine and loves their sound. He is therefore, beginning to research and think about building the right body language, accent, swag and rapping sound for this role." 

The dedication and sincerity Ranveer Singh puts into his characters is well known. He is a versatile actor with the ability to balance his commercial image comfortably with his penchant for realism in his characters. Having proven his rapping skills already, there are few actors who can match up to the rapid verbosity of Ranveer Singh.