Rajesh Kumar CLAIMS working with 'great actors' who won't even look at secondary artists, Who could it be?

Rajesh Kumar has always been known for speaking his mind, and his recent comments about the working environment on film sets have once again sparked conversation. The actor, who became a household name with Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, opened up about the dynamics between lead actors and supporting cast, shedding light on an issue that often goes unnoticed by audiences.

In a recent interaction on Aftab Puntoo, Rajesh spoke candidly about what he believes is a clear class divide on many film sets. He explained how creative discussions are often limited to a small group of key people, leaving others out of the process. Sharing his observation, he said, “If you go on a big set, only 4-5 people are discussing everything. Director, cinematographer, the main actors and the main writer. Rest of the people, their experiences, they don’t count for anything,” he said.

The actor further pointed out how this lack of collaboration can impact performances. According to him, meaningful interaction between lead actors and supporting cast members is becoming increasingly rare. While he mentioned that he has not personally worked with Amitabh Bachchan, Rajesh noted that he has heard the veteran makes an effort to rehearse with everyone. However, he believes that such practices are not common anymore. “Lately, I have not seen any main actor rehearse with us. Either they rehearse with the writer or the assistant. They don’t have any interaction with the secondary cast and that is why the film suffers because sometimes people think that the secondary actor might overshadow us,” he said.

If you go on a big set, only 4-5 people are discussing everything. Director, cinematographer, the main actors and the main writer. Rest of the people, their experiences, they don’t count for anything. Lately, I have not seen any main actor rehearse with us. Either they rehearse with the writer or the assistant. They don’t have any interaction with the secondary cast and that is why the film suffers because sometimes people think that the secondary actor might overshadow us

- Rajesh Kumar

Rajesh also suggested that insecurity could sometimes play a role in this behavior. He explained that supporting actors are occasionally put at a disadvantage, with limited preparation time. “They make it so that the secondary cast gets their lines at the last moment. This way, the actor is just consumed with learning the lines,” he said.

Recalling his own experiences, Rajesh shared instances where even accomplished actors maintained a distance on set. Without naming anyone, he said, “I have worked with some ‘great actors’ who will not look at you and will ask the associate, ‘Yeh aisa kyu bol rahe hain? No, we don’t need rehearsal. We will go for a take,” he said and added, “I am just saying that we need to get out of this system.”

They make it so that the secondary cast gets their lines at the last moment. This way, the actor is just consumed with learning the lines. I have worked with some ‘great actors’ who will not look at you and will ask the associate, ‘Yeh aisa kyu bol rahe hain? No, we don’t need rehearsal. We will go for a take. I am just saying that we need to get out of this system.

- Rajesh Kumar

As soon as this clip of Kumar circulated, netizens have had some wild guesses and have been taking names of a few Bollywood actors.

His remarks highlight an ongoing conversation about inclusivity and collaboration in the entertainment industry. As audiences continue to appreciate strong performances across all roles, voices like Rajesh Kumar’s serve as a reminder that every artist on set contributes to the final product, and a more inclusive approach could only make storytelling stronger.