In an industry where killer looks, washboard abs and a proud pedigree hold significance, he has paved the way for the unconventional. Having bought with him a genesis of a new protagonist, purely character based and not personality oriented, we chat up with Rajpal Yadav, whose journey in Bollywood is no less than a film's narrative.
To begin with, how did Bollywood happen to you?
I come from a simple family. Acting had always been my dream and I was determined to shape my own destiny. After completing my academics from Delhi, I moved to the city of hopes and dreams, Mumbai. The road was tough, until I found my first calling through my mentor and friend Ram Gopal Verma. He is a daring man I should say. When he cast me in JUNGLE, he had more belief in me than I had in myself. With God's grace, commitment, and hard work, I have reached where I am today.
You are currently shooting for a film based on the Bhopal Gas Tragedy. Could you tell us more about your role?
Yeah, I am currently shooting for BHOPAL: A PRAYER FOR RAIN, based on the Bhopal Gas Tragedy. The project is exciting, and the character I portray is close to my heart, where I see shades of myself.
In an industry which is obsessed with a hot-bod with six pack abs, you have carved your own niche. What would you attribute this to?
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'I have great respect for Ramuji' |
Despite doing over 150 films, I feel I am still learning the tricks of the trade. I believe each actor has his own unique charm that stands out despite the fact that the other actor in front may be a big superstar. I have never been intimidated by this fact and I believe my conviction brings out the realism in the characters I portray.
You seem to be more popular for your comic portrayals. Do you fear getting typecast?
I guess you are talking about getting typecast by playing only certain roles. I never get bothered by such thoughts. And mind you, I have played characters like the one in JUNGLE that was equally appreciated. I think versatility is still my charm that producers seem to be recognizing constantly. At the same time, I enjoy comedy, Charlie Chaplin being my inspiration, though I have never imitated him!
For an actor like you, how much does box office success matter? What about PATI, PATNI AUR WOH which did not do too well?
I don't judge films based on the hit-flop box-office response alone. I'm sure the audiences liked the plot of PATI, PATNI AUR WOH and I got a huge response from my fans. It is still one of the films that is close to my heart.
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We know about your friendship with Ram Gopal Verma. Who are your other close buddies in B Town?
I have great respect for Ramuji. Had it not been for him, I would have not got what I have achieved today. I have never probed for details or the significance of my portrayal whenever he has tried to cast me, because I know he has my best interests in mind when doing so. I love the chemistry we share on and off screen.
I share a special bonding with many of my other colleagues in the industry since I have worked with them. If I have to name a few apart from Ramuji, it would be Sanjay Dutt, Salman Khan, and SRK, who are very close to me and have always been a great support. Though, I may not meet them everyday, the bond we share is a good feeling in itself.
Given your hectic work schedule, how do you manage your personal commitments?
My family is my biggest asset, and I make it point for us to spend enough time together when I am not shooting. I am a simple man and have never seen myself in a different light than what I was years before as a starry eyed youngster. My family and friends have always provided me with the much needed support and I am happy the way God has shaped my destiny.
- Reneta, Bollywood Trade News Network
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