Theatre kept me alive in films for 26 years: Rajpal Yadav

“I have lived, breathed, and enjoyed theatre,” actor Rajpal Yadav, renowned for his comic roles, recently said in an interview, crediting theatre as the driving force behind his nearly three decade-long career in the film industry.

He believes his success is deeply rooted in the lessons he learned on stage. “Whatever I am today is because of theatre. It has taught me how to live, how to be human, and, more importantly, it has made me a better person,” he added.

A graduate of the National School of Drama (NSD), Yadav recalls how his time at the institution shaped his perspective and solidified his passion for acting.

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“The day I entered the institution and started learning acting, I had clarity in my mind—I was going to be an actor. This prestigious institution has that kind of power,” said Yadav, who graduated in 1995.

The 54-year-old actor recalled his time at NSD as an enriching learning experience. “Whether it was theatre classes, stage performances, or technical lessons, we were always engaged in learning something new. Our faculty played a huge role in shaping us,” he said.

Memories of NSD and early struggles

Sharing a memory of ragging at the institution, he recalled an incident involving his seniors. “They once asked me to make a line of students fall to the ground with a single blow. I thought it was impossible, but later, they acted it out in a rhythm, and it became a fun exercise,” he said.

Rajpal has fond memories of Mandi House, Delhi’s theatre hub. “We watched numerous plays there and made lifelong friends. We also used to visit the nearby Bengali Market for Rasgullas. I can never forget those moments,” he said, adding, “Whenever I visit Delhi, I make sure to indulge in its food.”

Despite graduating from NSD, Rajpal faced a few years of struggle in the film industry. “Moving to Mumbai was a challenging phase. At one point, I even considered quitting acting, but theatre brought me back on track,” said Yadav, who eventually made his mark in Bollywood with hit comic films like Hungama, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Malamaal Weekly, Dhol, Chup Chup Ke, Bhagam Bhag, Khatta Meetha, and Hera Pheri.

He gained immense recognition for his role as ‘Chhote Pandit’ in Bhool Bhulaiyaa, which became a turning point in his career.

Rajpal got his first major break in Ram Gopal Varma’s Jungle, where he played a negative character.

Bond with Akshay Kumar and personal hardships

Having worked on nearly ten films with superstar Akshay Kumar, Rajpal shares a strong bond with him. “Whenever we meet, we have a great time. It always feels like we meet regularly,” he said.

On the personal front, Rajpal faced a difficult time after the passing of his first wife in 1992.

“I was consumed with worry for my newborn daughter, unsure how I would raise her alone. But my family gave me unwavering support. They stepped in to care for my daughter, ensuring she never felt the absence of a mother,” he said.

Speaking about Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, which replaced Akshay Kumar with Kartik Aaryan, Rajpal said, “Both cannot be compared. They are different actors with different approaches.”

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Versatility beyond comedy

Although Rajpal is widely known for his comic roles in Bollywood, he emphasised that his filmography includes diverse performances. “It is not just comedy. I have played various characters in my career. My roles in Ardh (2022) and Apurva(2023) had no comedy, yet they stood out,” he said.

However, he acknowledged that comedy remains a favourite genre among audiences.

Having worked across multiple formats, Rajpal remains passionate about acting and continues to seek meaningful roles. “I am still hungry for good work. I feel more energetic,” he said.