Vani Kapoor and Ranveer Singh at a promotion of ‘Befikre’ at Radio Mirchi studio in Mumbai, Nov. 28. (Press Trust of India)

Every time he posts a selfie flaunting his physique, his female fans go into a tizzy and Ranveer Singh says he enjoys all the attention coming his way, writes Justin Rao. – @siliconeer #siliconeer #Bollywood #RanveerSingh #VaniKapoor #Befikre #BajiraoMastani

Having started with a rustic boy-next-door look with “Band Baaja Baarat,” the actor had a major turnaround with films like “Gunday,” “Ram Leela,” and “Dil Dhadkne Do.”

“I love female attention, I have always admitted that,” Ranveer says, adding, “I was a fat kid till I was 14 so female attention is golden for me.”

The 31-year-old actor has reached a stage where he does not mind being called a sex symbol.

“Even when you lose weight, you are always fat in your head. For me, female attention is one of the best things ever.

I love it. I love women and women love me. I love being looked upon as a sex symbol. It is amazing,” Ranveer told PTI in an interview.

Ranveer reveals he has been hit on by men too, even before he landed himself the debut role in Yash Raj’s 2010 sleeper hit.

“Yes, I have been hit on (by men), propositioned, everything. I am cool with it,” Ranveer says nonchalantly, before adding, “It is not my cup of tea and I very politely and respectfully tell them.

Vani Kapoor and Ranveer Singh at a promotion of 'Befikre' at Radio Mirchi studio in Mumbai, Nov. 28. (Press Trust of India)
Vani Kapoor and Ranveer Singh at a promotion of ‘Befikre’ at Radio Mirchi studio in Mumbai, Nov. 28. (Press Trust of India)

“It has been happening to me for years, even before I was famous. All the more after I became famous but it doesn’t surprise me anymore.”

In almost his seven-year journey so far, Ranveer has played different shades of the ‘lover boy’ be it the street-smart Delhi lad in “Band Baaja…,” the brooding romantic in “Lootera” or the fearless warrior in “Bajirao Mastani.”

In real life too, the actor insists, he is a very romantic person who can go all out when madly in love, something which made him say he is “the best boyfriend ever” on the latest episode of ‘Koffee with Karan.’

“I believe that,” Ranveer says when quizzed about the statement. I consciously nurture significant romantic relationship, if I have one. I leave no stone unturned in that endeavor. So, I guess that’s what makes me the best boyfriend.”

This is a huge change for him, as Ranveer says he was a “philanderer” earlier whose outlook has changed today.

Vani Kapoor and Ranveer Singh at a promotion of 'Befikre' at Radio Mirchi studio in Mumbai, Nov. 28. (Press Trust of India)
Vani Kapoor and Ranveer Singh at a promotion of ‘Befikre’ at Radio Mirchi studio in Mumbai, Nov. 28. (Press Trust of India)

“I was quite the philanderer, promiscuous. Everybody goes through phases. I have had my phase of philandering and promiscuity. You eventually evolve out of that.”

In his latest, “Befikre,” the actor is in romantic hero avatar again although the character of ‘Dharam’ is more like him in the sense of being a “light-hearted, happy-go-lucky guy, who doesn’t take himself too seriously.”

Directed by Aditya Chopra, the film aims to celebrate love in a carefree, fun filled and impulsive way. Though his character might have problems saying “I love you,” Ranveer says he is far from being frivolous.

“I wouldn’t call him frivolous. He is definitely a good-hearted being. I think his outlook on romantic relationships is something, (that) I used to be like him. But in a different phase of my life.

“May be Dharam is me six years ago. Now, my outlook has changed a bit. But I used to be like that, back in my heydays,” he quips.

The film stars Vani Kapoor as the leading lady opposite Ranveer.