Subhash K Jha (DNA; January 18, 2016)

I am indeed very sad and shocked to hear about the untimely passing away of Rajesh Vivekji. He was a powerful actor, who used his physicality, voice and face with extreme intensity to portray an emotion! That was his hall mark. I said it to him often, that he had many more characters inside him, waiting to be extracted. He would laugh with joy on hearing this, but I always meant it. I made five films with him. He had made an impression on me in Junoon and Joshilay. And hence many years later, he was in my mind for the character of Guran even while writing Lagaan. He had played serious roles, but I wanted him to portray a character that is behaving seriously but coming across funny. He too loved the character and did it very well! Guran became lovable! Rajeshji then went on to do five films with me — Nivaaran in Swades, Chugtai Khan in Jodhaa Akbar, Detective Bhautesh Joshi in What’s Your Raashee? and Blacksmith Siraj in Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey. Throughout these films, I marveled at his sheer energy and madness mixed with his artistry and craft of acting, his creative inputs towards his character and his spirit to perform. He always revealed much more of the character than has been written in the script, which I think is a rare talent.