'I pray to God to please get Sarabhai…bac

The quintessential Momma's boy, Rajesh 'Roshesh' Kumar became a darling of the nation with his quirky poems on Sarabhai VS Sarabhai. And his character has gained so much fame that it had become difficult for him to break the cute and funny image. But as Subodh in Ba Bahoo Aur Baby this Bihari man has proved his histrionics.

Even in his personal life, Rajesh is quite similar to the character he essays on Ba Bahoo…Married to TV actor Madhavi, this god-fearing man is down to earth as "I had a middle class upbringing," he explains.

In a free wheeling chat with Prashant Golecha, the talented actor discusses his career so far and discloses his top two desires - to play a lead villainous role and a second season of Sarabhai….!!!

"I am very much like Subodh in Ba Bahoo Aur Baby"
Subodh is like Krishna of the Thakkar family, who is quite sensible. Thankfully, this time I was not doing comedy for a change. The atmosphere on the sets is very much Gujarati, be it the food or the conversations. And by now I can understand 95% of the language! The show has recently celebrated its anniversary and has also completed 100 episodes, which makes me very happy!

"I am waiting for the second season of Sarabhai…."
It has been eight months since the show went off air (though the re-telecast is on) and everyone, be it the actors, producers, director and the audience, is missing it. Taking into consideration everyone's concern …. I would like to perform a yagna and pray to God, 'Please get Sarabhai…back soon'

"I auditioned for Sarabhai… on the sets of Khichdi"
The producers (Hats Off Production) spotted me on the sets of Khichdi where I did an episodic appearance. And they felt that I was the right choice for the role of Roshesh.

"As Roshesh I have established 10% of my acting caliber"
I was trying my hand at comedy for the first time, which was an experiment of sorts. And I really had a good time. But sometimes I feel like a lunatic walking on the streets and people pelting stones at me and calling out 'momma, momma'.

"During the takes for Sarabhai…there was no room for nonsense"
The experience made me more disciplined as an actor. It was more of a play school where you are working as well as learning. It taught me to find humour in every aspect of life. It was a pleasure working with Ratna Pathak Shah, Rupali Ganguly, Satish Shah and Sumeet Raghvan.

"Having married someone in the same profession helps"
Madhavi is also an actor and is currently seen in Thodi Si Zameen Thoda Sa Aasman and Hare Kaach Ki Chudiya. Personally speaking, the fact that she too belongs to the same industry has worked in our favour. The more you stay separated because of work, the lesser you fight and lesser are the chances of permanent separation, which is very common in our industry.

"There is a dearth of good comic scripts"
Though the actors are talented I find them helpless as they are not backed by a good script. But nowadays the telly viewer reciprocates more to comedy shows than before as they want to relax and not sulk after watching the melodrama.

"I was offered Rajiv Paul's role in Karam Apna Apna"
But I declined it because of date issues. Other than that nothing exciting came my way. If I am offered something substantial by Balaji Telefilms I will consider it for sure.

"I am looking out for a lead negative role"
I have tried my hands at comedy, serious roles as well as that of a psycho but to play an evil character is what I'm looking forward to as it comes naturally to me (laughs). Ideally I would also like to anchor an interesting reality show.

"I prefer being a boy-next-door"
I am a very practical person, an extrovert with a sportsman spirit. But I am scared of neo rich people.

"My favourite comedians are…."
Manoj Pawa, Rakesh Bedi and Asif Shaikh on television and Mehmood and Kishore Kumar in Bollywood.

http://www.tellychakkar.com/y2k6/sept/30sept/interview_raj.p hp