Gajraj Rao: Small town author is writing stories not sitting in AC rooms and writing stories

Gajraj Rao: The web series of Amazon Prime Video, Dupahiya, remains the choice of all. Gajraj Rao, who is seen in the role of Banwari Jha in the series, says that as an actor I always try to do something different and I also see that the characters around me are also very different and two -wheelers are perfect examples. Conversation with Urmila Kori

How did you get connected with two -wheeler?

I liked ‘Masaba Masaba’ directed by Sonam Nair. I had a cameo in his second season. I also watched a short film of Sonam. I loved their way of working. I told Sonam that if an interesting project comes, then tell me. Salona, ​​the producer of this series, is familiar with me. One day Salona called me and told about this project. I read its script, then dark content on OTT was more prevalent. It felt as if the two -wheeler had brought a gust of fresh air. I enjoyed reading the script. Not only my character, every character of this series is very beautiful. I got the sweetness of Shri Lal Shukla ji’s raga courtyard in it. While shooting for the series, it seemed that Suraj Barjatya and Priyadarshan are making this series together.

How was the experience of working with senior actress Renuka Shahne in the series?

She is a wonderful actress. I consider myself lucky that I have got a chance to work with such good actresses in the career. By the way, this series has been shot in Orchha, Madhya Pradesh and everyone knows that Ashutosh Rana ji is very respected there. At the time of shooting, the villagers used to come and ask where the sister -in -law is. In the beginning, I did not understand which sister -in -law was talking about. A few days later I understood.

Do you also get an opportunity to connect yourself while acting in a comedy project as an actor?

Yes, serious films or series do not have much opportunity to add anything. I think comedy is like a plate, you can add more or less to it. Therefore, there is a little freedom in comedy, but the screenplay should be good for this and the special thing of two -wheeler was its script. Earlier stories were written in AC rooms in cities like Mumbai or Delhi. Seeing the village shown in Govinda’s film ‘Raja Babu’, everyone felt that the real village is like this. Now the writers are emerging from small cities, so they are bringing their experience. Our writers in this series are also from small cities. He did not write stories sitting in a flat in Mumbai. He brought his experience with him and hence he has been successful in writing stories like two -wheeler.

Do you think series like dark content, ‘panchayat’, two -wheeler are being reduced between dark comedy?

See, just as five fingers are not equal, so all kinds of content are needed, so crime thriller is also necessary. But a film or series is very important to watch with the family. I myself like such projects. Rishi da (Mukhopadhyay), Basu da (Chattopadhyay) or Sai Paranjpai’s films still impress me after 30-40 years. I still enjoy watching his films. Pula Deshpande, VP Kale’s compositions still make us happy because their writing is full of humor.

Are you among the familiar faces of this series increase the pressure?

We are all a small part of a huge factory, so no artist can take more responsibility on himself, but when people of different ages appreciate airports, restaurants or my performance elsewhere, there is happiness. A few days ago I went to London to shoot a film. I met some Indians there. He told me that if he saw my name in a film project, then his interest in watching that project increases. It is really a matter of great pleasure. I not only feel this happiness but also try to please others with my acting. I never even thought in my dream that my life would change so much with congratulations in 2018. I think I am acting from the actors who are more talented than me.

You are worried about the theft of two -wheelers in the series, has the theft of something special in personal life has disturbed?

Once he went to the mall and my mobile was stolen. Somebody suddenly came and took out the mobile from my pocket. Had to be hypnotized. It was felt. There was no backup of mobile. So I lost many good pictures. Apart from this, 15 years ago I left my camera in an intercity train going from Switzerland to Paris.
Despite many efforts, I could not find the camera again. I captured many beautiful memories with my family in camera, so the regret of losing the camera still persecutes.

In the series, you are from crime -free Dhadakpur, what crime do you want to get rid of personal life?

I think the development of a city is measured by how safe girls are there. We all want girls to be safe all the time. The safety of girls should be considered first. Along with this, I believe that atrocities on destitute and helpless animals should be stopped. There are many crimes against animals in our country. Dogs and cats are killed by mixing poison in food. I want this heinous crime to stop.

Have you directed short films, is there any plan to direct the feature film?

Working on a story. Hopefully something will happen in a year or two.