Known for his versatile performances across television, films, and OTT, actor Rajesh Kumar has entertained audiences in everything from Sarabhai vs Sarabhai to recent hits like Matargasti, Saiyaara, and upcoming roles in Rajshri Productions’ Yeh Prem Mol Liya. On Children’s Day, Rajesh reflects on his school days in Dehradun, the spark that ignited his acting journey, and the shifting realities of growing up today.
Recalling his school days at Cambrian Hall in Dehradun, Rajesh shares how role-reversal days taught him the power of performance. “November 14 felt like a mini-festival where roles were reversed. Watching our strictest teachers let their guard down, sing, and act silly on stage taught me early on how powerful performance is in bringing pure joy. Plus, those special sweet boxes at the end were an unmatched thrill!”
Long before stardom, his love for bringing smiles began with observing people. “It wasn’t a single incident, but a love for observation and mimicry. Whether in Bihar or boarding school, I loved copying quirks and accents. Hearing that instant burst of laughter and applause on the school stage gave me a rush nothing else could match—planting the seed for my college theatre days at Hindu College.”
Contrasting his carefree early days with today’s fast-paced shoot schedules. “I miss the luxury of unstructured time—playing gully cricket or marbles until dusk without checking a clock. Even during my farming phase, when I tasted that grounded pace again, adult responsibilities followed. Today, with Mumbai’s frantic shoot schedules, uninterrupted stillness is rare.”
Reflecting on how life’s unpredictable turns shaped him. “My childhood dreams were simple—just to make people smile. Life turned out far more dramatic than any script, taking me from the peak of Sarabhai vs Sarabhai to the emotional lows of farming, and back to a deeply gratifying second innings. Every twist taught me resilience.”
His reassuring message if he could meet his younger self. “I’d pat him on the back and say, ‘Don’t be afraid to take risks, and never let failure define your worth.’ Curveballs will come, but as long as your intentions are pure and you work hard, you will bounce back stronger.”
Comparing growing up in his era to today’s hyper-connected world. “Children today face far more intense pressure. In our time, competition stayed in the classroom; today, social media has kids constantly comparing themselves to the entire world. They are expected to have life figured out too early, leaving little room to make mistakes or simply get bored.”
As a father of two, Rajesh highlights the core traits he hopes to instil. “The most important values are empathy and resilience. When children learn to put themselves in others’ shoes, they grow up to be kind citizens toward both people and nature. Coupled with grace in handling failure, it gives them true confidence to navigate life.”
