Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Rajesh Kumar: My learning is still going on

A TWO-DECADE-LONG journey has seen award-winning actor Rajesh Kumar star in popular TV shows and demonstrate his versatility with a wide array of characters.

The prolific Indian small screen star has used lockdown to slow down, spend quality time with his family, learn cooking and do yoga. He has also had a chance to look back on his amazing acting journey filled with highs, including starring in legendary TV serial Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai.


Eastern Eye caught up with Rajesh Kumar to talk about his journey, acting and hopes.

How do you look back on your acting journey?

It’s been two decades and when I look back I think I am doing fine. The initial days were the starters and the main course is still happening. I am still at 2-3pm of my career, so the sun is not going to set very soon. Thankfully, people have admired and loved my work. So that work will fortunately not stop. The bond with the producers has grown and matured me as an actor. I have learned a lot and that learning is still going on.

You have played a lot of roles, but what has been your favourite?

Undoubtedly Rosesh (Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai) is my favourite and like a gold medal for me. That was a tough role to play, but the best part about it was that it got properly recognised when the serial went off air and subsequent generations appreciated it. Even a seven-year-old kid loves it, even though Rosesh was created before they were born. So that’s why it is my favourite.

Which role challenged you the most?

There are a couple of them. My title role in Mrs & Mr Sharma Allahabadwale was challenging because it was a completely different dialect and tone. Rosesh was even more challenging. The role in my current project Excuse Me Madam is also very challenging because I have my look from real life, but need to create a new character.

Who has been the most memorable person you have worked with?

One of the most memorable was the late Manohar Singh. I did the serial Kaun Apna Kaun Paraya with him back in 2001-2002. He taught me discipline, as an actor and in real life. I learned a lot from him and miss him. We had a father-son kind of bond. I didn’t go to drama school, but under him learned a lot.

Which is the genre that you most like?

I love thrillers and comedy. With both genres, story,

content and character is very important. So, these genres are very challenging.

What can we expect next from you?

There is a long way to go with my current serial Excuse Me Madam, so I don’t know what I will do next. But after it gets over, I want to play a negative role and am waiting for something great in that space.

Do you have a dream role?

I would love to play Kamal Haasan’s characters in Chachi 420, Pushpak or Nayakan. These are definitely my dream kind of roles.

What according to you is the secret of a great performance on-screen?

Discipline, relentlessly working towards making a character and enjoying the process, rather than thinking of the outcome. To be very honest with your work and respect whatever you get, and make the best of it.

What is it that inspires you as an actor?

Being able to play different personalities with the same physical appearance inspires me a lot. You get to be anything you can’t in real life, whether it is a father, son, officer, killer, lover, good husband, bad husband or anything else. It is very inspiring that you get to play so many roles and live so many lives, which you can’t do in your own life.

Why do you love your job as an actor?

There are amazing perks to being an actor, but I like that you can provoke so many reactions and emotions. People can feel, know, hate, admire and love you. And they can be inspired by you when the work is meaningful.

More For You

Shefali Jariwala

Glutathione and anti ageing drugs under spotlight after Shefali Jariwala death

Instagram/shefalijariwala

Did anti-ageing pills, beauty supplements and glutathione trigger Shefali Jariwala’s death?

Quick highlights:

  • Shefali Jariwala died at 42 in Mumbai after reportedly collapsing post-fast; cause of death suspected to be cardiac arrest or blood pressure drop.
  • Police found anti-ageing pills, vitamin supplements, and glutathione injections at her residence.
  • Doctors stress the risks of unsupervised use of hormone-based and anti-ageing treatments.
  • Final post-mortem report expected in two days; no foul play suspected, case treated as accidental death.

The untimely death of actor-model Shefali Jariwala has sparked renewed concern over the unregulated use of anti-ageing treatments and self-medication. The 42-year-old, best known for her appearance in Kaanta Laga, was declared dead on arrival at a Mumbai hospital on Friday night. Initial investigations suggest she may have suffered a cardiac arrest following a steep drop in blood pressure, possibly linked to taking supplements on an empty stomach.

Keep ReadingShow less
Glastonbury 2025

Glastonbury 2025 delivers heat drama and mystery with Pulp reunion rumours and Kneecap row

Getty Images

7 biggest moments at Glastonbury 2025 from Pulp reunion buzz to Kneecap controversy

You think you're coming to Glastonbury for the music. That’s what you tell yourself. But then, by Day 4, it’s Saturday afternoon, the sun’s hammering down like it’s got a personal vendetta against pasty Brits, and the air’s thick with sunscreen, spilled cider, and pure anticipation.

Something big’s brewing. Something secret. Something that makes you feel like you're standing on the edge of history, or at least a really, really good party. There’s joy and rebellion here. Tears and beer. Political fire and surprise reunions.

Keep ReadingShow less
Harris Dickinson Bond rumors

Tom Holland Jacob Elordi and Harris Dickinson top James Bond shortlist as Amazon eyes younger 007

Getty Images

Tom Holland, Harris Dickinson and Jacob Elordi among top picks for 'James Bond' as Amazon begins new 007 era

Quick highlights:

  • Amazon’s reboot of the James Bond franchise is in early stages, with Dune director Denis Villeneuve attached.
  • Insiders claim Tom Holland, Jacob Elordi and Harris Dickinson are top contenders for the new 007.
  • The studio is reportedly seeking a British actor under 30; no official casting decisions made yet.
  • Next Bond film is unlikely to release before 2028 due to scheduling and production timelines.

The race for the next James Bond is heating up, and three familiar faces are at the top of the list.

Keep ReadingShow less
Shefali Jariwala

Shefali Jariwala dies at 42 after cardiac arrest in Mumbai hospital

Instagram/shefalijariwala

Kaanta Laga star Shefali Jariwala dies of cardiac arrest at 42, postmortem underway in Mumbai

Quick highlights:

  • Actor and model Shefali Jariwala passed away late Friday night in Mumbai at the age of 42.
  • She was rushed to Bellevue Multispeciality Hospital after a cardiac arrest but was declared dead on arrival.
  • The Kaanta Laga star was married to actor Parag Tyagi, who was seen grieving outside the hospital.
  • Mumbai Police and forensic teams are investigating, with an official cause of death yet to be confirmed.

Actor and television personality Shefali Jariwala, who rose to fame with the early 2000s music video Kaanta Laga, has died following a sudden cardiac arrest. The 42-year-old was declared dead at Bellevue Hospital in Mumbai late on Friday night, 28 June. Her husband, actor Parag Tyagi, reportedly rushed her to the hospital around midnight with the help of close friends.

Despite immediate medical attention, doctors could not revive her. A hospital source confirmed she was “dead on arrival” at 11:27 pm. Her death has left friends, fans, and colleagues in shock, as many described her as healthy, cheerful, and actively working.

Keep ReadingShow less
Kamal Haasan, Ayushmann Khurrana and Payal Kapadia

Kamal Haasan Ayushmann Khurrana and Payal Kapadia invited to Oscars Academy in global list of 534 members

Getty Images

Kamal Haasan, Ayushmann Khurrana and Payal Kapadia invited to Oscars voting body

Quick highlights:

  • Kamal Haasan, Ayushmann Khurrana, and Payal Kapadia among Indian invitees to the Academy’s 2025 voting class
  • Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences extends membership to 534 new global members
  • Other Indian honourees include Maxima Basu, Ranabir Das, and Smriti Mundhra
  • Hollywood invitees include Ariana Grande, Conan O’Brien, Jason Momoa, and Jodie Comer

Veteran actor Kamal Haasan, critically acclaimed star Ayushmann Khurrana, and All We Imagine as Light director Payal Kapadia have been invited to join the Oscars Academy’s 2025 voting body. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has extended invitations to 534 new members from across the globe, recognising diverse contributions to cinema across disciplines.

Keep ReadingShow less