“I focus on the character's mental status”- Rajpal Yadav 
By IndiaFM News Bureau, April 15, 2005 - 09:55 IST
Working his way up frame-by-frame, like most actors Rajpal Yadav made a humble beginning in Shool. Spotted by RGV, today Rajpal Yadav has become an integral member of Bollywood. Having used each scene to learn and grow, Rajpal has made a huge impact in every character he has played. In a chat with IndiaFM, he speaks about his upcoming movie Waqt, his experience working with Big B and more.
Tell us about your role in Waqt?
The role is quite good; the name of the character is Laxman and is part of Amitji's family in the movie. He reacts a little slowly to everything, he is a very good guy, his only problem is that he reacts very slowly. Although he tries hard but his level of intelligence is only that much.
How was the experience of working with Amitabh Bachchan?
He is a book we all can learn from. His punctuality, his energy even in this age and the way he co-operates with new actors. Whether it's on the sets or while rehearsing, on any level you won't feel that you are working with him for the first time. He is the pillar of this industry and working with him is a unique experience. I have grown up watching his films so working with him was a dream come true.
What about your equation with Akshay and Priyanka, you have worked with both of them before…
Akshay and I share a good friendship. We were in Mujhse Shaadi Karogi together so there is fine-tuning between us. With Priyanka I have worked in many films. So it was very comfortable to shoot for this film.
All the characters you have played so far have a distinct look, what is the look in this movie?
The look is very simple. But I always feel the look of the character is not limited to his get up, if you change your mentality according to the role then the way you carry the character and your body language also changes. The character then looks more believable. So more than the look I focus on the character's mental status.
Your advertisement with Aishwarya was quite a hit - how was it working with her?
It was great. Atually this was the first time I was working with Aishwarya Rai, everybody co-operated so much I did not feel for once that I am working with a superstar. Since I have not done too many ads I got to learn a lot from this one.
Upon what criteria do you select the roles that you do?
I don't know that, but I keep trying that I do roles, which have different mentality. Even if the role is small but if it touches my heart I don't even think about saying yes for it. I like to experiment, because there you have the challenge of doing something that you have never done before which end of the day enhances the actor in you and teaches you a lot.
You have worked your way up from cameos to meatier roles, what have you learnt in the journey?
I don't know how much have I learnt but then I do want to learn. And as far as doing small roles is concerned well all I can say is that I had to start from somewhere so I took whatever I got and tried to do it with all honesty.
And how has the journey been?
The journey has been very fascinating; God has helped me climb every step of my career.
It's hard to imagine you in an item number, but you did one in D, how did it happen?
Like I told you I believe in experimenting, Ramuji is one person who has given me all the opportunities to do that. He has made me a villain, a comedian, a lead hero, and now an item boy. I was shocked when he offered me this song, but then I felt that if he has so much faith in me then I should give it a try.
You turned down Rakesh Roshan's Krrish, why so?
Rakeshji is one of the most important and respected filmmaker of our industry. Length of the role doesn't matter to me; just that I did not like the character much, there has to be definite character to the role I perform. I had only one scene in Kal Ho Na Ho but I did that because I liked it. There is nothing more to it; in future I would definitely like to work with him whenever I get a chance.
Pick your favourite song from the movie?
All the songs of Waqt are good. I like Miraksam very much, but the overall music is beautiful. The other thing is the way Vipulji has designed the characters in the movie with a specific motive. There was no confusion about any character in the movie; there was a fantastic chemistry between the director and the characters.
What are your forthcoming projects?
A lot of them are on the floors. Some of them are complete and ready to release. Some of them have lead roles, in others I am in a supporting role, but the good thing is that all of them are different characters.
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