Rajpal Yadav has gained immense popularity with his comic roles and has delivered some memorable performances in films like Bhagam Bhag, Hungama, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, De Dana Dan and Khatta Meetha, among many others. Interestingly, his next film Apurva will see him playing a menacing character who abducts a young girl ahead of her wedding.
While this isn’t the first time that he will be essaying an antagonist in a film, Yadav exclusively tells News18 Showsha that he has always been fond of experimenting with diverse roles. Recalling the non-comic parts that he has played in his career, he says, “In 2004, I did a film called Main Meri Patni Aur Woh where I had to gain 12 kgs. I’ve always been prepared for whatever came my way. I did films like Main Madhuri Dixit Banna Chahti Hoon and Bhopal: A Prayer For Rain with Tannishtha Chatterjee, Mischa Barton and Kal Penn where I played the lead.”
So, what made him a part and parcel of most comedy films made in the 2000s? “I try to keep up with the latest cinematic trends. Any fad that goes around comes back. In the last 20 years, 80-85 percent films made belonged to the comedy genre, be it slapstick or subtle humour or any other branch of comedy. And unme hera hissa hona laazmi tha,” he explains.
But Yadav has no qualms or regrets about the journey that he has had as an actor. Talking about it, he says, “I’ve played plenty of unique characters in films like Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Malamaal Weekly, Chup Chup Ke, Dhol and Waqt: The Race Against Time that cannot be reprised and they’ve given me my identity. I was happy doing comedy films and I’m happy doing serious films. Bollywood has given me the confidence to create an opportunity that lets me do something new if I’m not happy with the work I’m doing. I believe it’s my responsibility as an actor to keep trying my hands at new things.”
However, the one thing that bothers him is how actors who are known for doing comedy films are questioned when they try to explore other genres, which isn’t the case with lead actors. “I’ve noticed that if a lead actor does versatile roles, nobody questions it and in fact, lauds them. But the moment a (supporting) actor who usually does comedy is given to do something else, he’s questioned. I might get asked whether I don’t want to do comedy anymore if I choose a negative role. It doesn’t matter what genre of films you want to do as long as the role is written well,” states Yadav, who has also played negative characters in Jungle, Undertrial and Maine Dil Tujhko Diya.
Reiterating how Apurva co-starring Tara Sutaria is a step in that direction, Yadav adds, “The character I play is extremely hateful. Posing an obstacle to one’s journey or path is the worst thing can do. Playing with someone’s freedom and deriving joy by causing others’ pain is the worst thing ever. I’m a father and Apurva could have been mine or anyone else’s daughter. I hope no woman has to go through what Apurva did.”
The film is releasing on Disney+ Hotstar on November 15.
