Rahul Rawail is best known for directing hits such as Love Story (1981), Betaab (1983), Arjun (1985), Dacoit (1987), Anjaam (1994) and Arjun Pandit (1999). Nominated twice for the Filmfare Award for Best Director, Rawail launched many Bollywood actors and actresses who went on to become big stars such as Kumar Gaurav and Vijayta Pandit in Love Story, Sunny Deol and Amrita Singh in Betaab, Kajol in Bekhudi (1992), and Aishwarya Rai in Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya (1997). He has also written an acclaimed book, 'Raj Kapoor - The Master at Work'.
Rajeev Nayan Chaturvedi of Outlook speaks to him on his career, book and association with star kids during his successful career. Edited excerpts:
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What is the biggest reason for casting star kids?
Sunny Deol was cast because the film was produced by his father, Dharmendra. Same is the case with Kumar Gaurav whose first film was produced by his father Rajendra Kumar.
Bollywood has often been accused of promoting nepotism by launching star kids. What do you have to say about it?
I don't want to say anything in this matter. A lot of mudslinging has already been done on this subject.
It is said that star kids get everything on a platter and become successful without struggling to get a break…
I do not think so because behind anyone's success his hard work and dedication matters. There are more unsuccessful than successful star kids.
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It is said that compared to the star kids, it is difficult for an outsider to enter Bollywood…
This is a very simple. In most cases, the parents of a star kid finance or direct and produce films. In such cases, they want to keep their children in the lead roles. Hence, it becomes easy for them to get launched.
How do you see the difference between an actor who has come from outside and a star kid when it comes to working with them as a director?
I don't call them star kids but 'newcomers' and working with them is challenging as well as interesting. I enjoy it. Let me tell you that irrespective of who they are, I treat everyone equally on the sets.
Some critics say that star kids are cast because they come with a readymade identity…
This is not logical. How can a debutant star kid come with an already established identity? How can a new artiste have a readymade identity? Identity is created by oneself, on the basis of one's work.
How has been the change in the industry in terms of casting of actors down the years?
Earlier, an actor used to get films regularly because of his popularity even if he did not fit the role. It is not so now. Nowadays, those who can perform a role better are in high demand.
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You have not directed any film since your last film in 2007. Any particular reason?
I stopped making films because the whole system has changed in the industry. Now actors have started 'dictating' and I don't like it. If the producers want, I would like to work again for the big screen or OTT.
How did you come up with the idea of writing a book on Raj Kapoor's life?
I had once gone to an event as a jury member where I continuously talked about Raj Kapoor. Some people thereafter advised me to write a book on Raj Kapoor. That set the ball rolling. I had worked under him.
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What is so special about the book?
Till date no one has written about the style of working of Raj Kapoor. How Raj Kapoor used to work, how he behaved on the sets, what inspired him as a director, all these things have been written in detail in this book.
How much of an influence did Raj Kapoor have on you?
He had a profound influence on me. Whatever I am today is because of them. I have also written in the book how his influence on me can be seen in my films like Arjun, Betaab and Dacoit.
