
Mumbai: Having acted across all formats, from theatre to television to films,
Rajpal Yadav has always believed in giving his best and he still yearns
to do good work.
"I am more hungry today for good work. I am more
energetic today. I have always been busy working on films. I am glad to
be working throughout my career so far. I am happy that I have got
success in whatever I have done," Yadav told PTI.
Yadav studied
acting in the Bhartendu Natya Academy in Lucknow from 1992 to 1994 and
after finishing the course, he went to National School of Drama in
Delhi. In 1997, he moved to Mumbai.
Since the time he landed in
the city of dreams, Yadav felt nothing less than a struggler despite
being an alumni of a prestigious institute like the NSD.
"I was a
learner then but in 2018 I am a well known beginner. This is life and
the struggles are ongoing. Today, people know me and I am glad that I
have done some work that is being remembered by audience," he added.
After
years of struggle and hardwork, Yadav has really come a long way and is
today regarded as of the finest character actors in Bollywood.
For
the 47-year-old-actor, the one thing that is of utmost significance is
the recognition and love of the audience and the industry people while
monetary growth comes secondary.
"I have always got my due as an
actor. I am growing remuneration wise as well in my career. I don't
think an actor shouldn't look for ask for what is my remuneration, the
name and fame is the biggest payment for actor," he stressed.
He
further said that there have been times when he acted in few films
without even taking money in name of friendship with the makers, but he
made sure even in such a scenario his role was good enough for him to
sacrifice his acting fee.
As an actor, Yadav's only desire was to have a filmography that would boast of diverse roles.
Besides
showing his comical side in movies like "Chup Chup Ke", "Bhool
Bhulaiyya", "Phir Hera Pheri", he has also acted in film such as
"Jungle", where he had a negative part or in "Main Madhuri Dixit Banna
Chahti Hoon" where people saw him as a lover. In "Main, Meri Patni Aur
Woh", he played an insecure husband.
"It is been 33 years in the
industry for me and I am enjoying doing all kind of characters be it
negative, serious or comedy. I have never been rejected as whenever I
have auditioned I have always got selected. I have done work with utmost
honesty, be it in whatever space."
He said such is an impact of actors and films on audience that today almost every person wants to enter Bollywood.
"Irrespective
of whether you go to NSD or any acting school, if you are good at work,
you will succeed. To known action, dance is also needed besides
acting," he added.
Yadav, who made his Hollywood debut in the
2014 with "Bhopal: A Prayer for Rain", will next be seen in an
Indo-American venture "Barefoot Warriors".
The upcoming film as
per reports, is based on a true story of India's first football team
that went to the 1948 London Olympics and the 1950 Football World Cup.
However, India had to withdraw from the World Cup after being not being
allowed to play barefoot.
In this movie, the comedic genius plays the role of Jogi, a driver-cum-guide.
"I
am talking in English in this film and I am happy to do it. He works
with an international tourist so he knows English, Hindi, Punjabi,"
Yadav said.
The film is directed by Kavi Raz, who previously
helmed "The Black Prince" in 2017. "Barefoot Warriors" is scheduled to
release in October.
PTI