Rajesh Tailang, aka Ramakant Pandit from Mirzapur, is a man of many hats. Talking about his arch as an actor, he recalled his struggling days and how OTT todays is seen like a stepping stone for actors like him who have always been there but were never seen before like now.
Rajesh Tailang is a man of many hats. Ramakant Pandit or Bhupendra Singh or as Dhanajay Mishra, Tailang makes sure to leave his audience in admiration of his work. But the road has not been always been easy for him, just like everyone else. Tailang, in an exclusive conversation with India.com, spoke about his journey in the film industry. He shares his trajectory, sheds light on the burgeoning platform such as OTT and more.
Rajesh Tailang on Getting Similar Roles
Mirzapur’s Ramakant Pandit, Delhi Crime’s Bhupendra Singh or Kooki’s Dhanjay Mishra, Tailang has essayed several characters like being a lawyer or police effortlessly. When we asked, if it was a conscious choice or if only stereotyped roles were offered to him, he says, “Mai apni acting pe hamesha kaam karta raha chahe kam mile ya na mile. Par ek waqt aisa aya na ki bahut waqt tak kam nahi mila na, tab mujhe mere upar se yakin khone laga. As an actor bhi apko bahut trauma se guzarna padhta hai. But mere directors ko shayad mujhe par zyada yakin tha, confidence.” (I have constantly worked on my acting skills irrespective of the work I get. But there was a time when I wasn’t getting a lot of work, and I started losing faith in myself. However, my directors had more faith and confidence in me and I kept on honing my skills.)
Adding further he says, “Toh aisa koi conscious choice nhi tha ki yeh character karunga, who karunga. Jo aate gaye unko behtar karne ki koshish karta gaya.” (It was not a conscious choice do play certain kind of character, whatever came my way I put my best to make it better. )
Rajesh Tailang Credits OTT For His Success
OTT has been, and still is, a stepping stone for several actors, directors, writers etc and there is not a shadow of doubt on that front. Speaking on how this has helped people reap benefits, the Mirzapur actor agreed that OTT has helped him reach out to the world more. “Mai kaam bahut pehele se kar raha hun par OTT ki wajah se mujhe bahut logo tak pahunchne ka mauka mila hai. Or OTT mere jaise or bahut saare actors samne laye jo pehle dikhai nahi dete the. Or baki or bhi talents – writers, directors, cinematographers ko OTT ki wajah se aage aane ka mauka mila.” (I have been working in the industry for quite sometime now, but OTT has helped me reach more people. And not just actors like me, who were not seen before, it has also propelled talented writers, directors and other people in the industry to come to the fore. )
Rajesh Tailang’s latest film Kooki, featuring Ritisha Khaund, was screened at the International Film Festival Cannes 2024. His talent has secured a place in everyone’s heart, globally as well. Meanwhile, his highly anticipated, cult series Mirzapur 3, has also hit the OTT screen on July 5.
