A few days ago, when Randeep Hooda hit the road, it was for a special reason. The actor was driving his newest acquisition, a vintage Willys 4×4 Jeep, to his shooting location from Moga, Punjab. He had been aiming to own one for 30 years. Randeep says, “Till quite late in my childhood, I used to play with toy figures of military vehicles, mostly from World War II. I wanted to have one of those, and now, 30 odd years later, I have finally got one. I’m so excited and thrilled to have managed to get a really good piece.” Describing his first journey in the vintage four-wheeler, Randeep shares, “The first drive was to bring it back from Moga, Punjab, to where I am shooting. It was late evening and the wind in my hair, the lilting music, and the power of this beauty under the moonlight was a feeling that I’ll remember for a long time to come.”
Randeep says, “I hope to repeat the experience as often as I can. The only pit stop I really had in the 120 km ride back was when my father called me.
I stopped to show him my vehicle in its glory over a video call in the lights at a dhaba.” When asked what drew him really to scout for this one, the actor shares, “No one in my family or friends owns one. Sometimes on my jungle trips, I had seen a similar kind of vehicle with some people. They are mostly people who own heritage properties or have a similar taste for the beauty of the bygone era. I like the simplicity, durability, and minimalism of the vehicle. Also, these machines need to be looked after, hence your relationship with them is a tad more. Much like a winding watch.”
Randeep’s love for road travel and exploration is well known.
Does he now plan to take the vehicle with him wherever he goes? “I have already gone exploring all around the country… mostly areas in the wild or adjacent areas while shooting in front or behind the camera,” he says, adding, “I don’t think this one is meant for long-distance travel, but I would love to take it on my jungle and photography trips. After having travelled the world, I appreciate how beautiful and incredible India is. So, I hope to experience as much as I can in my Willys Jeep.”
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