shot-button
Subscription Subscription
Home > Entertainment News > Bollywood News > Article > Rajkummar Rao I never forget where I came from and Ill never forget

Rajkummar Rao: I never forget where I came from and I'll never forget

Updated on: 16 November,2017 06:23 PM IST  |  Mumbai
Gayatri Nirmal |

The Oscar-selected Newton's actor Rajkummar Rao is climbing the ladder of success and is well-deserving. The actor is all geared up for his web series 'Bose Dead/Alive' and talks about it in an exclusive interview to mid-day

Rajkummar Rao: I never forget where I came from and I'll never forget

Rajkummar Rao

"Actors also keep the journalists waiting," comforts Rajkummar Rao, as I apologise for being late, courtesy, Mumbai traffic. With his fractured bandaged feet resting on the chair, he smilingly says, "It's much better now." Accompanying him was his "best friend" Patralekha. As we prepare to start the tete-e-tete about their upcoming web series, 'Bose Dead/Alive' on the life of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, the duo patiently answers all the questions, which also reflects their lovely relationship. Humble, down-to-earth, that's the kind of simplicity the Newton's bright star carries along while shining bright!


Rajkummar Rao
Rajkummar Rao


Excerpts from the interview:


What kind of response is pouring in for the trailer of Bose Dead/Alive?
People are loving the trailer, they are excited to watch it. We (Rajkummar Rao and Patralekha) are happy to be a part of Bose.

Patralekha, there's a lot of mystery surrounding it. Can you elaborate the role?
I'm playing an important character. It's a Bengali character, her name is Nandini. She is as rebellious as Bose and she believes in his ideologies. That's how Bose and Nandini connect. It's been a really fun and grateful experience for me. I feel like it was just a homecoming with Hansal Mehta sir, Raj (Rajkummar Rao). It's just so much fun being back with these guys.

Did the political atmosphere around Bose affect you in any way to play his character? Did it mentally affect you?
I don't think about all these things while I'm performing because when I'm living his life, it also means I'm living as Bose. So, I can't think about what people think.

So, there were no apprehensions before taking up this web series?
Of course, not. I believe in his ideologies and wisdom and that's how I started.

The reason behind asking this question was because of the growing intolerant nature and the political interference in the filmmaking arena?
I can't work under pressure. I can't think about what other people are thinking and then…

Have you done any kind of research on your part in playing Bose, or you gave in to the director's view and the story?
The script in itself was a big research. There was a lot of reading involved and lots of videos on Bose that I watched. Like the weight gain and all the physical parts that I had to do in order to look like him.

You also had to put fillers in your cheeks. So, how was it like talking or eating?
It was a lot of fuss. I had to practise it a lot. In a couple of scenes, we have used dentures.

Has the way in which you get perceived now, changed?
I don't know, honestly. I just happily work here. I don't know if the perception is changed. It's just that I'm getting exciting and different kind of work.

You'd once told in your interview that earlier, you would look for your next project, now you get to choose. So, how is that feeling?
It's different from when I started. I've done all kinds of films and now I get to choose the best.

Patralekha, all this while, you have stood rock solid beside Rajkummar. So, how does it feel to see him climb the ladder of success…(And she cuts me in)
And he supported me all this while, we are best friends. I'm so happy for his hard work to be paid off because he's a really hard-working man. For him, acting is not a job, it's a part of his living. I don't know what Rajkummar would do if he wasn't acting. Also, I'm not surprised where he is because the kind of passion and love that he has is incredible.

How has your equation with Hansal Mehta developed over time, given your history of working on many projects together?
I think we are far-like brothers or relatives earlier and now we decide to make one big family together. We understand each other very well. Like, 'Shahid', our first film together has given us a lot of things. I think it has made me who I am and probably him also, who he is. It has got us a lot of respect as an actor and producer. And we share this mutual understanding also, as in the way we want to tell a story. It's more family, that's more personal than professional now.

Are there any future collaborations between you and Hansal? Any other historical character you'll would like to explore together?
Not thinking about anything else right now. If there's anything that is really exciting and we are passionate about, then we'll make it.

Web series are in major trend these days and a lot of actors have opted for the medium. Did you give your nod for it in one go?
The story of Bose in itself was so exciting and just to get an opportunity to play Netaji's character, I think I feel very blessed that people thought of me to play Netaji. Because any actor, most of them would jump to do this part.

Patralekha shoots a question to Rajkummar Rao: Is it a film, based on which you will choose a character or a web series? What is the line or is there a line at all?
There's no line at all. Especially now that web series are… and just the fact that it's going to be there on the platform. There's no pressure or comparison that your film is coming with some other film. I think it's a much more peaceful environment.

We see you socialising a lot these days. Does it come along with stardom?
That I think is promotions (laughs). Aamir sir (Khan), I really share a great rapport with him. He's really admirable, I love him. So, when he invited us for the Diwali party, we went there.

Patralekha: But actually we are not seen in any filmy party.
Rajkummar: Not really.

How hard are you trying to not let success get into your head?
I'm not trying anything at all because that's how I am. I never forget where I came from and I'll never forget.

Patralekha: Actually, I wonder, and I keep asking him, 'Do you even realise what's going around you?'

Rajkummar: I really don't think about it. I'm just the same as I was.

Are your moves strategized? Or they are just based on instincts?
It's very impulsive. I'm not futuristic when it comes to work. I can't answer the question, 'How do you see yourself after five years.' I have no idea where I will be.

But there'll be someone guiding you at least?
Yes, of course, she's (Patralekha) is always there when I'm confused.
Patralekha: I am not guiding him.
Raj: Whenever I'm confused, I go up to her and ask and vice versa, otherwise I deal with everything that comes my way and decide what's best for me.
Patralekha: I think he's also very instinctive. He just knows at a go what he should do.

How is it shooting with Anil Kapoor and Aishwarya Rai for 'Fanney Khan'?
It's going good but I am not supposed to talk about it right now.

Patralekha, when are we seeing you next?
I'm doing a film 'Nanu Ki Jaanu' with Abhay Deol. It's a quirky dark comedy film, which I've not done in the past. It was a new space and I had a lot of fun.

Bose Dead/Alive is coming out on November 20 on ALTBalaji. It's a nine-episode series. "It will be a binge-watch," assures Rajkummar Rao. It can be a benchmark. I've seen the episodes and I'm loving it the way our director has handled it and Hansal sir's contribution has been immense. We are very happy and hoping for the best.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!


Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK