Being born in a certain family isn’t a crime: Gajraj Rao
Taking part in the dialogue on the need for a level playing field in Bollywood — voiced by actors Kunal Kemmu and Vidyut Jammwal, after being snubbed by an OTT platform during their films’ announcement — Gajraj Rao hopes the industry will now start functioning in the right way.
The audience knows what they want, says the senior actor. “I also want to get that space for myself, and why not? We need equal opportunities, whether one flourishes or not depends on their talent. It’s the audience who gives the final verdict and viewers can’t be fooled,” he opines.
Rao, 50, explains that when one goes to a theatre to watch a film, whether it has stars or not doesn’t matter. “Agar aisa hota to Badhaai Ho (2018) successful nahi hoti. There was so much talk around Thugs of Hindostan (2018) — big stars and much money being spent — but it’s for everyone to see what happened when it released. People forgot about the film in three days,” says the Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan actor.
Sharing his views on the ongoing debate around nepotism and favouritism, though Rao agrees that they both happen, he is also quick to point that it’s there in every profession. He tells us, “A lot of the popular actors in the industry are outsiders, and many stars kids haven’t done well.
There are those who’ve surpassed their parents, like Hrithik Roshan or Tiger Shroff, who have created their own space in the industry. Being born in a certain family isn’t a crime, you need to have it in you (to make it big). In fact, I sympathise with these star kids; they have this extra pressure on them to prove themselves.”
Satisfied with his career graph, the actor doesn’t believe in any sort of comparisons. “If I start thinking, ‘Had I got this fame earlier, it would’ve been better’ or ‘Ab toh kya ye level playing field jo chal raha hai chalne do’, then I won’t be able to work. I know of actors who’re far more talented than I am, who haven’t got their due yet,” Rao shares, adding that he is happy that he is at least getting to play central and substantial characters.
However, he feels, “This might not be permanent. After some time, I might start getting roles having seven or eight scenes, like I did in Black Friday (2004). Ambition hai, par main usme beh nahi jaata.”
You need to have it in you (to make it big). In fact, I sympathise with these star kids; they have this extra pressure on them to prove themselves. GAJRAJ RAO ACTOR