THE HUSTLER

RAJ ARJUN HAS FINALLY MADE IT TO THE BIG LEAGUE AFTER TWO DECADES OF STRUGGLE. RAGHUVENDRA SINGH CHRONICLES HIS JOURNEY

- RAGHUVENDRA SINGH

Actor Raj Arjun has seen extreme highs and lows in his life. The Bhopal-based actor left his crockery business after his father’s death and came to Mumbai to try his hand at acting. In 2005, he was cast as the lead opposite Isha Koppikar in Ram Gopal Varma produced Shabri. The film roamed the festival circuit for six years before getting a theatrical release in 2011. It didn’t do well at the box office and the actor’s career as a lead never really took off. He started doing character roles both in Hindi and in Tamil and Telugu films. His role as an orthodox father in Secret Superstar (2017) finally brought him his share of limelight. He’s currently in the news playing politician RM Veerappan in the Hindi version of the Kangana Ranaut starrer, Thalaivii. We catch up with the versatile actor who is finally breathing easy after his marathon struggle.

You’ve been receiving rave reviews for Thalaivii…

I have known director A. L. Vijay for years. I’ve seen his work and craft. He never compromises on anything. He volunteers his services in every department. He spent 1-2 years with writer K. V. Vijayendra Prasad sir researching the film. Even in this pandemic, the movie was well received by the audience. In normal circumstances, it would have been very successful at the box office. I’m overwhelmed with the response of the audience both towards the film and towards my character. It has encouraged me to push the envelope even further the next time around.

How did you prepare for your role in Thalaivii as politician RM Veerappan?