Veteran actor Rajesh Kumar, known for “Sarabhai vs Sarabhai,” recently shared his candid thoughts on Bollywood’s deep-rooted ‘hierarchy system’ and a memorable, humanizing interaction with Dimple Kapadia.
Rajesh Kumar’s Return to the Big Screen
After a break from acting to pursue farming, Rajesh Kumar has made a significant return to Bollywood. He is currently starring in Mohit Suri’s latest blockbuster, “Saiyaara,” alongside Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda. This comeback has given him a fresh perspective on the industry.
Challenging Bollywood’s Hierarchy
In a recent interview, Kumar openly criticized what he calls Bollywood’s “hierarchy system.” He believes this system unfairly judges actors based on their “star value,” which primarily considers their box office appeal or popularity.
According to Kumar, this metric reduces artists to mere numbers, rather than appreciating their craft. He expressed hope that this old system is slowly changing with the new generation of filmmakers and actors.
The Impact on On-Set Dynamics
Rajesh Kumar shared how this unspoken hierarchy can become glaringly apparent, especially when lead actors themselves perpetuate it. He recounted instances where sitting on the same couch as a “star” felt difficult, highlighting a lack of genuine connection.
He observed that some lead actors might rehearse only with writers, making last-minute changes without consulting co-stars. Kumar emphasized the need for actors to build bonds beyond the script, citing his own efforts to connect with newcomer Aneet for “Saiyaara” to portray their father-daughter relationship authentically.
A Refreshing Encounter with Dimple Kapadia
Amidst his critique, Kumar fondly recalled a beautiful experience with the legendary Dimple Kapadia. While shooting in Jaisalmer, he and other actors were praising her work when she gracefully interrupted them.
Kapadia reportedly asked, “Enough about me; can I know something about you guys?” This simple question transformed the interaction from a one-sided appreciation session into a genuine human conversation. Kumar noted that such moments of mutual sharing are often missing in the industry, yet they are crucial for personal and artistic growth.
Looking Ahead for the Industry
While Rajesh Kumar is more optimistic about the evolving nature of the industry, particularly with the younger generation, he firmly believes the industry needs more human connection. He feels that understanding each other’s stories can significantly aid an artist’s own journey.
Currently, Rajesh Kumar, along with the cast and crew of “Saiyaara,” is celebrating the film’s success at the box office, proving that talent and collaboration can still shine.
- Rajesh Kumar critiques Bollywood’s “hierarchy system” based on star value and popularity.
- He believes this system hinders genuine collaboration and respect among actors.
- Kumar shared a positive anecdote about Dimple Kapadia fostering a real, two-way conversation.
- He advocates for more human connection and mutual understanding within the industry.
