MUMBAI: Senior actor Rajendra Gupta has been working in showbiz for almost forty years. The 74-year-old states that he started late, however, he is one of those rare senior actors, who is still relevant. Moreover, he is currently seen as a primary character in Jagannath Aur Purvi Ki Dosti Anokhi. “I feel the industry is changing for the better now,” says Gupta.

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Gupta recalls a “phase” on TV when private networks just began. “A lot changed. Wo dekh ke thoda bura lagta tha, ye kaha se kaha aagaye hum. Initially when these private channels started, I was a misfit,” he adds.

The actor remembers how privatisation made networks more quantity and profit driven. “Producers, makers and channels were not interested in senior actors like me. Cinema is a place where you are always looking for a fresh face. They are more attracted to fresh faces. Also, I didn’t compromise monetarily. My image was not of someone who will compromise easily. They used to not call me, especially after hearing my price. I used to feel bad but kisse shikayat karu? ” Gupta elaborates.

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The Lagaan (2001) actor has played central roles in all the TV shows that he has done. However, his stint on the big screen has been sporadic. He reasons: “There were camps in cinema and I was never a part of any camp. It’s not my personality. I could never do that. Haan, thoda sa malal hain, I never got major roles in movies. Film waale only called me for cameos. Wo baat andar se chubti hain. Ichchai kab kum hoti hain. But now I cannot upset myself. You cannot change the world”. 

Credit: Hindustan Times