Rajpal goes to prison!!!!!

hey guys! how r u all doing?!

Rajpal goes to prison

The actor shot with actual inmates of Thane jail

Ram Kamal Mukherjee

Projecting reality as it is seems to be the latest pre-occupation of Bollywood. This time, actor Rajpal Yadav shot in the Thane jail alongside real convicts, for his forthcoming film Undertrial. Apparently, this is the first time in the history of Bollywood that actual prisoners and a real jail have been used in a film.

In Undertrial, Rajpal plays a serious character, that of the protagonist. The actor had to shoot for ten days at the Thane Jail. "I wanted to do this film since it wasn't a regular comedy. It is based on the story of a convict and the jail plays a crucial role in the script. I was surprised when producer Rehan Rizvi got the permission to shoot inside the prison premises. Although, we could have erected sets and re-created the atmosphere, director Aziz Khan insisted that we should try to shoot at the actual location. Once the jail superintendent was satisfied with the script, he let us film for over 10 days inside the jail," says Rajpal.

At the Thane jail, there are nearly a thousand convicts, out of which Rajpal interacted with nearly a hundred. "It was a unique experience for me as an actor and a learning experience for me as a human being. Some of the convicts were happy thinking about their release date, some were repenting on their deeds and some were just chilled out. They all loved films and would wait for hours just to see our shots. Whenever I took a break, they would come up to me and inquire about my films," says Rajpal.

Apart from the jail episode, the actor is tight-lipped about the story line and other cast and crew. Incidentally, Rajpal was taken aback when most of the convicts talked about his film Main Madhuri Dixit Banna Chahti Hoon. "That was amazing. I didn't expect them to talk about this film. I thought they would pick films like Hungama and Waqt. But they insisted that I should work on serious films also," he adds.

Now awaiting the release of his forthcoming film, Hello Main Lallan Bol Raha Hoon, Rajpal feels that he is finally getting his due in the industry. "Many producers and directors are showing interest in signing me as the main lead after Main Meri Patni Aur Woh. While I was interacting with the convicts I told them that it's all about your karma. Life changes when you come of good use to others," says Rajpal.

the link:

http://www.mumbaimirror.com/nmirror/mmpaper.asp?sectid=10&am p;sectname=Entertainment&sess=570210346

tc,

Dharti!

Originally posted by: Bollywood_mad

Thanks cutest_angel, Oh no I can't belive Rajpal Yadav is in jail 😕

Rajpal Yadav is a believer.

He believes in doing his job earnestly and leaving the rest to God.

He believes Main Madhuri Dixit Banna Chahti

Hoon is a stepping stone to becoming a lead actor.

He believes in filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma, his mentor, his godfather, as he calls him.

Varma gave Yadav a small break in Shool and Mast, followed by character roles in Jungle, Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya, Darna Mana Hai and, now, a lead role in his forthcoming production, Main Madhuri Dixit Banna Chahti Hoon.

Dressed in a floral cream and green shirt and military green trousers, with a striking Om pendant round his neck, Yadav was meeting the press?in MMDBCH director?Chandan Arora's suburban Mumbai office.

In this interview to Sukanya Verma, the actor recalls his long journey from a small village called Kulra in Uttar Pradesh to Mumbai, the city of?dreams.

Tell us a little about yourself. Where are you from?

In Uttar Pradesh there is a district called Shahjahanpur. Fifty kilometres from Shahjahanpur, there is a small, cosy village called Kulra, where my entire family lives. I did my graduation from?Shahjahanpur and then?took admission in Lucknow's Bharatiya Natya Akademi. I was?there from 1992 to 1994. Then?I joined Delhi's Rashtriya Natya Vidyalaya. I passed out in 1997.

I came to Mumbai the same year to?try my luck in films. I got a break in 1999 in Ram Gopal Varma's Jungle. I won awards for Jungle. In?the past two years I have worked in 20-22 films. Now, I'm waiting for?the release of Main Madhuri Dixit Banna Chahti Hoon in which I have a lead role.

Were you always interested in acting?

Since I was a young boy, I was interested in nautanki [rural dance drama]. I used to participate in school programmes. When I was?doing my BA [Bachelor?of Arts], I had?joined a theatre group in Shahjahanpur and worked there for two-three years. By the time I was admitted?at the Bharatiya Natya Akademi, I was 100 per cent sure?I wanted to be a part of films.

Was your family inclined towards the performing arts?

The atmosphere in my house wasn't of the creative kind at all. No one in my family is remotely connected with films. My father is a very sweet man. He has led a very honest life. Perhaps it's the result of his goodness that I am doing well in my career.?My father had a lot of faith in whatever I was doing and in me.

When did you decide to come to Mumbai?

After five years of training I had reached a point in life where I didn't know where to go next.?Art hai, lekin aate ka intezaam hona bhi bahut zaroori hai [It is good if you are talented, but your talent must help you make a living]. There should be a place where the artiste is?satisfied on the?artistic and the?materialistic fronts. He should not have to worry about fulfilling his daily needs.

In this respect, Mumbai is the best place not?just in?India but also in Asia. One can survive here as well?as excel?in one's chosen field. Thankfully, Mumbai ne mujhe badi pyaar se apni godi mein bithaya [Mumbai has been very nice to me].

Four of us came here from Delhi to make a living. We stayed together.?Along the way, I made friends?with the city as well as its people. My?friends are also doing well. I have been lucky to get this break.

How did you get a break in films?

[Writer-director] Anurag Kashyap introduced me to Ram Gopal Varma during the making of Shool. A minuscule role in the film developed into a meaningful one and Ramuji was impressed with my work. His Mast was almost complete, but there was a small opening in it from me. When?Mast?released, Jungle was announced. And I was in it. I won two best villain awards for Jungle. For the first time in Indian cinema, a supporting villain won the award in the?best villain category.

I have done almost 20-22 films as?supporting actor. All these are mainstream films with Mahesh Bhatt, Subhash Ghai and GS Entertainment. The film I am doing?now with Ramuji [MMDBCH] is my eighth film with him.

Do you feel?you've become a recognised face because of your roles in?Ram Gopal Varma's films?

Ramuji is the most important man in my life. You can say he is my godfather. I got my break through him. He was instrumental in getting me awards. Now, I am playing the?lead?in Main Madhuri Dixit Banna Chahti Hoon because of?him. Nobody else can take his place in my life.

His casting is always perfect, that's why he manages to get the best from his actors. In that sense,?he is a practical person, not an emotional one. It is his visualisation of a particular character that influences his choice of an actor,?not considerations of friendship.

My relationship with Ramuji is still that of a student appearing for an examination. I strive to do my best, as it will lead to further progress.

Tell us about your role in Main Madhuri Dixit Banna Chahti Hoon.

The relationship between Raja [Yadav] and Chutki [Antara Mali] in MMDBCH is built on faith. A faith so strong that she is ready to go anywhere anytime if he accompanies her. There is no vested interest. Raja is a simple and honest man who adores Chutki.?But she adores Madhuri Dixit. It is her dream, her aspiration, that finally becomes the goal of his life.

This is Chandan Arora's directorial debut. How is he as a director?

Chandan Arora is a very good captain. He has edited many films. He is a very good editor.?You won't believe this is his first film. He was fully prepared with his shot division before he would can a shot. Since he already knew what?he wanted from his actors, props and situations, he was always in complete command.

It was a team effort where everybody, including the producer, strived to give his best. I feel lucky to be a part of this unit. The audience is opening to novelty. And this is what is creating a niche for people and characters like myself. There was a lot of bonhomie and camaraderie during the shooting of this film, which reflects on the screen as well.

Is there someone you want to be like?

Main Indian Charlie Chaplin banna chahta hoon. Each of his gestures spoke volumes; even his pathos was full of life.

When you came to Mumbai and met Bollywood's?big stars, what did it feel?like? Were you excited or nervous?

I felt a sense of excitement when I encountered the stars. I was never nervous.?I met Amitabh Bachchan on the sets of David Dhawan's Hum Kisi Se Kum Nahin (beaming). On the first day of the?shoot, I went up to him and asked him not to be angry if I forgot my lines since?I was born the year [1973] Zanjeer became a superhit. He has been a superstar for as many years as I have breathed on this planet. He guffawed and everything went smoothly after that. He has a lot of energy and dedication even at this age, which is?a lesson to?other actors.

I always remember what my teacher [theatre personality] Satyadev Dubey?told me. He said: in life, neglect the bad experiences and savour the good ones. I have tried to take life positively.

What are your expectations from MMDBCH?

MMDBCH will open a new chapter in my career. I am looking forward to doing many challenging roles.

What other roles do you have in the?pipeline?

My forthcoming assignments include Love in Nepal, Kal Ho Naa Ho, Tanman.com and Tumse Milkar.

Can you name five actors you idolise?

Dilip Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan and Naseeruddin Shah are my favourite actors.

Main Madhuri Dixit Banna Chahti Hoon.