Never dreamt of playing lead role: Rajpal Yadav

The recently released Dream Girl 2 is getting overwhelming response from the audience and film-makers. The comedy-drama, directed and written by Raaj Shandiyalaya and Naresh Kathooria, and produced by Balaji Telefilms stars Rajpal Yadav along with Ayushmann Khurrana, Paresh Rawal, Manoj Joshi, Seema Pahwa, Asrani, Ananya Pandey and Annu Kapoor.

Yadav’s acting in the film has been appreciated. He plays the character of Shoukiya.

He is busy shooting for many films including Mission Laila, Incredible India, Kaam Chalu Hai, Jako Rakhe Saiyan, Oh My Ghost, Khatra, Super Dhamal, Love Ki Arrange Marriage and Vivash.

The 52-year-old, who graduated from National School of Drama (NSD), says that he feels satisfied with his performance when it evokes laughter from the audience, especially the younger one.

He spoke to Patriot on Dream Girl 2 and his career.

Excerpts: 

Q: How was your experience working in Dream Girl 2?

A: The entire team of Balaji Telefilms and the actors worked very hard. The result is overwhelming. Everyone is extremely happy with the great response. I enjoyed working with Ayushmann Khurrana, Asrani, Paresh Rawal, Seema Pahwa and Annu Kapoor. I am thankful to God and the director who gave me a great chance to work with these stars. 

Q: How was the experience of shooting for the film in Mathura?

A: We all went to Mathura by boat for shooting. As you know, Mathura is a religious place with a lot of people. People were happy to see the film getting shot there. I loved the lovely people with smiles on their faces. 

Q:  Are you satisfied with your achievements?

A: Yes. But as an actor, I am always hungry to play a variety of roles in different films and am always open to different kinds of roles. I don’t think about the roles being big or small. I play each of them with great honesty. 

Q:  How has been your experience working with various directors? 

A: It’s true that I have worked with many talented directors in my long Bollywood career but I always like to work with Ram Gopal Verma, Priyadarshan and David Dhawan. These three directors are very creative and they always choose me for their films. I can proudly say that without them, my bio-data would not be complete. I love them for their creative style. 

I believe directors and writers have their own interpretations. Every director has his own style of direction. Some make family–oriented films while others make bold films which cannot be seen with your family. As an actor you have to follow them. A director is like a captain of the ship, who wants to use the actor’s capabilities in best ways possible.

Q: You have faced a lot of ups and downs in your life. How did you deal with them?

A: Yes, I have faced a lot of ups and downs in my life. Like, I got married early but lost my wife while she was giving birth. My family members and well-wishers supported me during that time. One has to handle struggles with a lot of patience. Life is like that. Films attract common people. A lot of people come into this profession but they get stuck doing odd jobs. I have been lucky that I have been successful as an actor.

Q: Are you working in OTT or online projects?

A: Yes, I am working with the online platforms. I think these platforms are giving opportunities to upcoming artists and they have a lot of work now. They get exposure to showcase their talent. When these platforms were not there, actors had limited opportunities — in theatre, street, gali/nukkad naatak. But now things have become better for these youngsters.

Q: Any suggestions for upcoming artists?

A: No, I don’t think I am capable of giving any suggestions. But I advise them to work hard, focus on their work, have patience, confidence and love themselves. 

Q: Do you wish to play the role of a lead actor?

A: No. Although every actor dreams of playing the lead role, I do not think that way. I have never kept conditions like, ‘lead hai toh hi karunga’ (I will only play if I am in the lead). If there is a character that I agree with, I take it. In Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, I think my habit of wanting to live the lives of unique characters worked. If I had not taken up supporting roles, then a caricature-like character in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 would never have come to me.

Q: How do you choose a role?

A: I always feel that my character should be enjoyed by kids, adults, and older people. Ultimately, I am not doing any reality but only an illusion of reality. In the first Bhool Bhulaiyaa, I got only 3-4 scenes. But everyone loved it so much and related that character to Charlie Chaplin.

Q: You have performed a challenging role in Ardh. What kind of challenges did you face while preparing for the character?

A: It is very hard to put it into words. But I love playing all kinds of roles. I don’t prefer one role to another. It is like if I had a choice between two meals, it would be difficult to choose one.