Small wonder of the Big screen: Rajpal Yadav 
By IndiaFM News Bureau, October 4, 2005 - 02:37 IST
A comedian, a villain, a hero, an itemboy and commercials on the teletube. He has done it all. No we are not talking about the all-consuming Khans, instead, about talent so rare, he’s called Rajpal Yadav. Here’s a rendezvous with the Ramgopal Varma protégée who is set to scorch the screen with a ‘as-real-as-they-come’ performance in Chandan Arora’s sweet-pill, Main, Meri Patni Aur Woh…
You play the lead role again in Main Meri Patni Aur Woh? What is the film about?
This film is about a couple who are different in every way- physically as well as mentally. The man whom I’m playing is shorter than his wife while she is not just taller but smarter as well and oozes confidence wherever she goes. So the man tends to get suspicious of her all the time because of his insecurities. He even suspects the fruit seller because he gives discounts to his wife. It’s an out and out comedy for the whole family.
Tell us about your role?
I play Chote Babu, the jealous and suspicious husband. He realizes that after marrying Ritupama (Sengupta), things do not turn out as expected. He is a simple librarian and very punctual as well.
Like in the film your real wife is also taller than you. Are there any similarities in the real you and the character you play?
No, I am not like Chote Babu at all in real life.
This is your second film with Chandan Arora after Main Madhuri Dixit Banna Chahti Hoon. What is Chandan’s strength as a director?
He is very focused in his work and knows what he wants. His strength definitely lies in the fact that he is able to extract wonderful performances from the whole cast of the film.
Any fun incidents during the shoot of the film?
We were shooting in Lucknow at a Golgappa stall. And when those Golgappa’s came Ritupama started eating them not knowing those were required in the scene. It was hilarious. You had to be there.
You have done roles of different variety. Antagonist, protagonist, comedy, item number, commercials too! How do you prepare yourself for such versatile roles?
I prepare myself thoroughly but the most important thing is that the role should appeal to me no matter how challenging it is. If I do not understand a role then I will not take it up. I am thankful that I am venturing into different fields. My coke ad was quite good and I have been getting a few more ad offers. As for the item number, I laughed when Ramuji (Ram Gopal Varma) asked me to do an item number. But I always trust his judgment.
Is that why you rejected Rakesh Roshan’s Krrish?
Rakeshji is one of the most important and respected filmmaker of our industry. The length of the role doesn't matter to me. It was just that I did not like the character much. I had only one scene in Kal Ho Na Ho but I did that because I liked it. I started off in a miniscule role in Shool and that paved the way for Jungle. But I would like to work with Rakeshji in the future if given the chance.
What are your future films?
There are quite a few in the making. There is Priyadarshan’s comedy Malamaal Weekly and Garam Masala. I’m also in his untitled venture with Shahid Kapur and Kareena Kapoor. Then there is Ram Gopal Varma ki Sholay and Go as well as Gabbar Singh.com.
Which actor do you admire the most?
Charlie Chaplin without doubt.
So would we see you doing a Chaplin impersonation on screen?
No I wouldn’t want to ape him. I want to be remembered as Rajpal Yadav.
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