Actor Rajesh Sharma started his career in Bollywood with the 2006 film 'Khosla Ka Ghosla'. It took time for the audience to recognise him but finally, he became popular among all. Today, Sharma is a known face and you can see him in almost all films. Be it comedy or a negative role, Sharma pulls it off with ease. Rajesh Sharma's filmography is huge. He has featured in movies like 'No One Killed Jessica', 'Parineeta', 'Tanu Weds Manu', 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan', 'The Dirty Picture', 'Special 26', 'MS Dhoni: The Untold Story' among others. The versatile actor also starred in many web series like 'Life Sahi Hai', 'Paatal Lok', 'JL 50' etc.
He was recently seen in 'Mrs Undercover' with Radhika Apte. In a recent interview with Outlook, Rajesh Sharma spoke at length about working with Radhika and director Anushree Mehta, his acting process, his journey as a character artist, and a lot more. Excerpts from the conversation.
How was your experience working in 'Mrs Undercover'?
Anushree (Mehta) called me for the film and I liked the script. I have already seen Radhika Apte's work but when I saw Anushree placing the camera, taking shots and all, it didn't look like it was her first project. Slowly we started opening up and you start liking the director's work and vice versa. Then chemistry develops between an actor and the director.
How does it feel to be directed by a female director?
It's not like Anushree is the only female director in our industry. There are many but compared to males, it's less. Actually, most of the women want to become heroine or an actress. But there is a good thing that all the female directors in our industry are good. Not a single one is bad. All of them have made great films.
How was your working experience with Radhika Apte?
I have seen Radhika's work earlier but when I went to the set for the first time, I thought she is a serious woman. But then when we started working, we started opening up more. She is not only a good actor but also a great human being. We developed an unsaid friendship and people can see that friendship in the film.
Does a senior artist like you get calls directly or have to give auditions?
Till now, no manager or any other person has got me work. By God's grace, whether work I have got, directors have directly called me. The casting team has also called me but it was also because the directors ask them to call me. I auditioned for only one film, 'No One Killed Jessica'.
In 'Kaamyaab', Sanjay Mishra's character says, "Hum character artists ko aloo kaha jaata tha. Aloo kisi bhi cheez mein padhta hai. Aloo-gobhi, aloo-baigan, aloo-tamatar, aloo-pyaaz. Comedy ho, romance ho, thriller ho, Bachchan ho, Kapoor ho, Khan ho, hum har jagah fit ho jaate the.” Being a character artist yourself, what do you have to say about it?
Potato is not from our country. It has come from outside. It completes every cuisine. Character artists do the same. A character artist not only completes a hero or heroine but completes the entire film.
You have done several roles-from comedy to serious. What is your process?
I don't take acting seriously. I take a dip into the character but I don't get drowned. This process continues from one character to another.
Character artist seldom gets their due. After doing so many films, do you feel you have got your due now?
People shouldn't think about this due and all. They should keep working without thinking about what they have got and what not. This a small thing.
Do you feel OTT has given opportunities to many budding actors and also artists like you and they are getting more recognition?
Yes, absolutely. Lots of people are getting work because of OTT. But there is a disadvantage too because there is a lot of work, then the quality of work declines. So, we should make sure do to more work but keep the quality intact.
People are now recognizing you. What do you feel people are now content-oriented and not stars oriented?
Earlier too when Dharmendra, Jitendra, Amitabh Bachchan, Sridevi, Madhuri Dixit, and others used to work, they were stars. But also, with them, there were Pran, Om Prakash, Kanhaiyalal and others. At that time people were not aware of films, they didn't know about Hollywood films. But later, when more films came slowly people came to know about those artists. It's not that character artists have got recognition now.
Have you ever thought of direction?
I have been thinking about direction since my theatre days. There are two-three stories in my mind. I am writing it, so work is going on.
You have worked with so many big stars. Do you have any fond memories of any of those?
Everyone is good. Let me tell you one interesting thing. Be it Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, or anyone with whom I have never worked, they love me. What else do you need than this? Films come and go.
Has it ever happened that you were removed from any project?
No, it never happened to me. It happened in the initial days of my career in Kolkata when I used to do serials. I was cast and removed. But it never happened with films since I have started working in 2006.
