Raja Bundela back to Television!!

Raja Bundela, the National School of Drama graduate who made a quiet exit from television five years back and went into self imposed hibernation is again back into reckoning with the role of Vanraj Ranawat in Babul Ka Aangan Chhutey Na which has replaced Virrudh. What prompted this actor to take such a long break? “I felt I somehow didn’t fit into the whole thing. Television was taking a new shape and with a whole pack of new actors,all was going too fast. I realized that I was not contributing as an actor and was not thinking creative. At times we need to justify our being there,” explained the actor.

Raja would be playing the role of Astha's father-in-law in Ratna Sinha's Babaul Ka Aangann Chootey Na. His role will show him fighting against anything wrong or dishonest. The story would show everyone going against the girl, but he will remain close to her and believe that his daughter-in-law is justified. What made him change his mind to get back to acting? “Sony’s creative head Sanjay Upadhyay is from theatre and he understands artists. And when he came with this role and explained it to me, I felt it was a good one,” said the actor who then adds on to say, “At the end of the day, money also matters which I didn’t earn for the last five years. I was doing all social work but have to run my kitchen also.”

This actor cum director, who is married to actress Sushmita Mukherjee has done many character roles in films too. He even directed the film “Pratha” which carried a social message, but ended into lot of controversy. He had to face a huge loss after making the film. “I sold everything for Pratha and I was really hand to mouth. But I still went ahead with it because I knew it was something I was doing from my heart,” says Raja without any regret. Raja expressed enthusiasm over his next release. “Yes soon my next film will be released. It is a true story and titled - 'Beyond Khajuraho'. It’s a dream project I am doing with an American friend of mine as a co-venture with an American company. It tells how the tourists are exploiting the poor uneducated villagers there.”

Raja had always been getting offers to do television, but he consciously avoided them earlier. But this offer by Ratna Sinha of Chota Ganpati Telecreations has hit the jackpot by getting this versatile and seasoned actor back to where he belongs!!

Reporter and Author: Barnali